Power Outages sweep S. Africa. '10 implications?

Discussion in 'USA Men' started by robchap628, Jan 25, 2008.

  1. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    Looks like S. Africa is suffering from some major power outages. I wonder what FIFA's response will be. The longer they wait to call it off on S. Africa, the more likely that FIFA will have to have the WC in the states as we have the best infrastructure.

    I feel terrible for S. Africa but it doesn't look like they can pull it off.

    http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL251593520080125
     
  2. jamesl

    jamesl Red Card

    Jul 16, 2007
    I think FIFA is bent on having S. Africa host no matter how ill-prepared they are, or even will be. Face it, it's going to be in S. Africa no matter what. This isn't the WWC.
     
  3. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    I agree that FIFA is hell bent on having it there, and it's going to be a huge embarassment for S. Africa and FIFA to call it off. However, the infrastructure wont be there in time and with power outages and the crime and all the other factors, I think FIFA will realize that they'll be even more embarrased if they don't call it off.
     
  4. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    BTW the new Dallas Cowboys stadium will be done by then and would make a great place for a WC Final.
     
  5. jamesl

    jamesl Red Card

    Jul 16, 2007
    The power problem is a serious issue. With however many tens of thousands of more power users visiting than normal, the already obviously fragile grid might not be able to withstand the pressure. I still think FIFA would go ahead anyway. They really are that stupid.

    Except that it has something to do with the D***** C*****s. Anything that gives that ragtag assemblage of rabble and their plastic-faced owner any positive exposure would immediately disqualify that stadium that shall not be named. At least it should. ;)
     
  6. Mick7184

    Mick7184 New Member

    Jan 21, 2007
    Franklin, Mass
    Club:
    New England Revolution
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Half of me still thinks this WC is going to end up in the US when it's all said and done. If they need a last minute stand-in this country is the obvious choice. The numerous stadiums at the ready, hotels, etc.
     
  7. Beazley17

    Beazley17 Member

    Dec 30, 2006
    South Florida
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I hope its not in USA, it would be very very hard to get tickets, all the bandwagons:D.
     
  8. pollo1970

    pollo1970 Member

    Sep 19, 2006
    FIFA has really dropped the ball on this one. No African country is ready to host the WC, Olympics, or any other major international event. It's sad, but it's just a socio-economic reality.
     
  9. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    Exactly. The US is the obvious last minute solution becasue no place else can pull it off with out sufficent time to plan.

    Once the Cup gets a little bit closer I'm assuming we're going to be hearing a lot more stories like this in the press and causing sponsors to pull back and tourists to stay away, leaving FIFA no choice but to call it off.
     
  10. El Chuma

    El Chuma BigSoccer Supporter

    Sep 17, 2005
    San Diego
    Club:
    New England Revolution
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I feel shot of a nuclear bomb, FIFA wants to host it in Africa no matter what. :(
     
  11. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    Or power outages, rampant crime and a lack of infrastructure.
     
  12. jamesl

    jamesl Red Card

    Jul 16, 2007
    It didn't stop Mexico from hosting did it?
     
  13. saxman

    saxman Member

    Nov 12, 2005
    Frederick,Maryland
    While I agree with your assessment of that miserable assemblage of human waste at least the stadium could host the TRUE America's Team!!!!!!!!
    :D
     
  14. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    If the WC really does go to S. Africa I could see a serious power struggle between the European fedrations and FIFA. I know the FA is constantly at odds with FIFA already about a number of issues and this could really add some ammo to their argument that FIFA doesn't know what its doing.
     
  15. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7214304,00.html

    http://africa.reuters.com/business/news/usnBAN349743.html

    http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/thespike/2008/01/18/vindication-for-the-racists/

    Here's a few about potential problems. There seems to be some doubts about whether the stadiums will be ready on time and costs are already over what they were expected to be. Possible labor disputes as well. Also the political climate is extremely volatile right now between factions in the ANC.
     
  16. DoctorD

    DoctorD Member+

    Sep 29, 2002
    MidAtlantic
    Club:
    Philadelphia Union
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    At least the US will be cheap for the foreigners!
     
  17. destruktion

    destruktion BigSoccer Supporter

    Sep 30, 2006
    Woodland,CA
    Club:
    Sacramento Republic FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    TWICE!
     
  18. trip76

    trip76 Member

    Jul 17, 2007
    North East USA
    what were the conditions last time the US hosted? weren't we a back up host?

    with 2.5 yrs to go, i do think africa will pull it off.
     
  19. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    FIFA gave us the '94 WC in order to compliment the inaguration of MLS.

    S. Africa could pull it off in 2.5 years if they got their act together, however the political climate in S. Africa is on a downward trend.
     
  20. bostonf4lyf

    bostonf4lyf Member

    Mar 18, 2006
    wmass
    we hosted the womens wc on short notice
     
  21. chango79

    chango79 New Member

    Jun 22, 2006
    Boston
    It would be a shame for any country to lose the WC.. Especially so late in the game (so to speak). But if it came to the States.... Hell yeah! I'm so going.
     
  22. SgtSchultz

    SgtSchultz Member

    Jul 11, 2001
    Parts Unknown
    If the are going to pull out of South Africa, FIFA will have to make a decision by this summer. The US is the obvious backup choice. Although I would love the WC in the states, I would prefer S. Africa. Losing the hosting privilege would be a giant blow for South Africa and anybody with half of a brain wants them to succeed. FIFA made the wrong decision in selecting South Africa. The country was not ready. Now, FIFA is between a rock and a hard place. Taking the WC away from South Africa will make the entire African continent upset with the governing body. While keeping the Cup in Africa will probably result in a giant financial failure. Knowing Sepp Bladder, I suspect he will award the Cup to the US.

    The US makes sense on so many levels but more importantly it allows FIFA an out when it comes to awarding the cup to England in 2018.

    If the US becomes the backup host, they will put on a great show. The infrastructure is vastly improved since the 94 WC.

    Again, I hope this does not happen. Hopefully, South Africa understands how important hosting the Cup is.
     
  23. HSEUPASSION

    HSEUPASSION New Member

    Apr 16, 2005
    Duck, NC
    South Africa will be able to host it, you guys are acting like it's Chad. It's a developing country and it has problems, it has some extremely tough challenges ahead of it, but they can do it. To circle it like a vulture is disgusting behavior.
     
  24. robchap628

    robchap628 New Member

    Aug 28, 2004
    Atlanta
    I don't think anyone here is circling like a vulture, just trying analyze some basic political/economic facts and for people here who are planning on going to see the US play in South Africa these are things that need to be considered.

    1.) S. Africa's power grid is at edge already, FIFA is planning on having back up generators at all the stadiums, but there's a very good possibility hotels, restaraunts and shops will be without power, and new plants won't be completed until 2011 at the earliest. That's a major problem.

    2.) The political situation in S. Africa is getting worse. Factions within the ANC are feuding and there have been numerous political arrests made recently. Hopefully for the sake of the country that will end soon, but there is good chance things could get worse.

    3.) S. Africa has the highest crime rate in the world. Accompanied by power outages and political turmoil this could scare away a lot of fans/supporters.

    4.) The infrastructure that needs to be built in order for the WC to take place(transportation, stadiums, etc.) is already behind schedule and has already exceeded expected costs; putting a major strain on the country's finances. There's also the possibility of a major labor dispute brewing, if the infrastructure is not done than they can't host the tournament.


    I know it would make FIFA and S. Africa both look bad by cancelling the tournament but it they go through with it and it's a complete disaster they'll loook even worse.
     
  25. Maitreya

    Maitreya Member+

    Apr 30, 2007
    Providence, RI
    FIFA's leaders cannot afford to take the World Cup away unless it is absolutely necessary. There are many countries in Africa (I believe the highest number of any continent) and their votes are valuable for winning election to FIFA offices. I believe Blatter himself owes his election largely to African votes. If the preparations are completed well enough, a few problems here or there aren't going to matter. It is unlikely that the Cup will run as well as the 2006 edition did or as well as it could be run in the US, but I suspect it will go fine.

    If money/profit were the only factor involved, FIFA would simply play the tournament in the US every time.

    It's possible that political changes could hurt preparations, but I suspect that any government would want the Cup to be a success and would devote its efforts towards accomplishing this.
     

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