Sepp Blatter 's proclamation that FIFA have a
2010 World Cup 'Plan B' has more to do with self preservation than the
tournament itself, argues Richard Ferraris.
Could SA lose the World Cup? (football365.co.za)
The continent of Africa saluted Blatter early in 2002 when
he said "the World Cup in 2010 will definitely be in Africa."
Just two years prior to this, South Africa had lost the right to stage
the 2006 showpiece after Charles Dempsey abstained from voting.
To promise the World Cup was typical Blatter as his noble idea would ostensibly
benefit the much-maligned continent. But when we scratch the surface,
Blatter's facade of suave diplomacy reveals a repulsive political chameleon
- the sort that we in Africa have become very accustomed to.
Let me say this with great force and clarity. Blatter did not award the
tournament to Africa because he and FIFA cared to uplift Africa, but because
his neck lay under the guillotine.
The Swiss had come under fire for alleged financial irregularities within
FIFA and his campaign to gain re-election as president in 2002 appeared
all but doomed.
Blatter's powers of manipulation saved his reptilian skin. Not only did
he allegedly bribe the FIFA delegate s to vote for him through 'cash gifts',
but he also curried favour with an entire continent by promising to give
it the World Cup.
To award the tournament to Africa was a simple campaign to ensure that
delegates emanating from the continent rubber-stamped his presidency in
the election. It was also an effective strategy to nullify the threat
posed by his nemesis, the robust president of the Confederation of African
Football, Issa Hayatou, who ultimately lost to Blatter in the election.
Handing the World Cup to Africa was nothing but a political expedient
to Blatter. To affirm his commitment to the continent, and to other footballing
outposts around the globe, Blatter also promised that the event would
be rotated between the six Confederations -meaning each continent would
be awarded a World Cup every 20 years.
The rotation policy was rescinded in 2007, which means that after 2010
Africa is unlikely to ever host another World Cup. This validates the
stance which suggests Blatter changes colour - and policy - depending
on the prevailing winds.
Blatter statements about South Africa possibly losing the right to host
the World Cup is an exercise to show that he has the power to break his
promises.
He is notorious for his muddled statements and his recent comments about
2010 are no different.
He said: "At the moment an earthquake would have to occur to prevent
the World Cup from being held in South Africa. However, I would be a negligent
FIFA boss if there was no plan B in the cupboard."
"If we had to activate the plan B, we would take our decision after
the Confederations Cup."
Those who have visited South Africa will know that the price of petrol
and electricity are more of a concern than seismic activity. As such,
the need for a Plan B ought to be otiose.
Reports in the British media claim that FIFA has approached England as
the contingency. England have not hosted the World Cup since 1966 and
are eager to bid for the 2018 tournament.
With the next election approaching Blatter has no choice but to hit the
campaign trail. By suggesting that South Africa cannot handle the World
Cup he wins favour among the many Afro-pessimists who doubt the continent's
ability to handle all that is required to host the event.
And if the media reports are to believed and England are indeed Plan B,
then Blatter has a bargaining tool to use against the English Football
Association and Premier League - whom are both vehemently opposed to his
outrageous 6+5 plan to force clubs to field at least half-a-dozen home-grown
footballers.
