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On the 27th June to the rapturous applause of 46664 spectators, Nelson Mandela took to the stage in London’s Hyde Park. The South African was thrown a lavish party to celebrate his 90th birthday and to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. The 46664 foundation he set up, titled after his prison number from his time on Robben Island, deals with the widespread disease. 46664 ambassadors range from the usual candidates such as U2’s Bono and Bob Geldof to footballing stars such as Ronaldo and Luis Figo. It is in Mandela’s home nation where the World Cup will be played in 2010. The 2010 tournament will be the 19th FIFA World Cup and it will be the first time a nation in the Confederation of African Football has hosted it. After a successfully organised competition in Germany, South Africa is getting ready to host the international football tournament. Five new stadiums are to be built, three match venues and two practice grounds with five of the existing venues also to be upgraded. Furthermore South Africa is also planning to improve its current public transport system to fit in with standard FIFA requirements ensuring the safety and security of local and international visitors. With the estimated construction costs standing as a staggering R8.4 billion, controversy has been in full swing. Le Monde Diplomatique state "More than $8bn has been budgeted for the building and upgrading of infrastructure for the football World Cup in 2010, including 10 stadiums and a high-speed train... But almost none of the building or the money can be accessed by the poor who live in shantytowns without proper water, sanitation or electricity."
In addition rumours are also circulating regarding the tournament being moved to another country. High profile FIFA executives and personalites such as Franz Beckenbauer have expressed concern over the planning, organisation and pace of South Africa’s preparations. Despite these rumours Sepp Blatter has constantly reiterated South Africa will indeed play hosts although a contingency plan is in place just as the 2002 World Cup had a similar back up plan in case of a natural disaster. Currently the World Cup will be hosted in Mandela’s home nation. The influential activist, who sneaked off to watch fellow prisoners play football on Robben Island and also spectated a charity match in his honour last year will be hoping he makes it to 92 years old so he can witness South Africa prove they can put on a football spectacle.
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