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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Leading sports investigative reporter Andrew Jennings, who authored 'Foul: The secret world of FIFA', is in South Africa to address the Power Reporting 2009 African Investigative Journalism Conference at Wits University. Jennings, who claims to have infiltrated the 'secret domain' of FIFA, is discussing his investigation into allegations of corruption within the organisation. FIFA which applied for an injunction on the distribution of the book in 2006, said it contains 'defamatory passages and many inaccurate statements and aspersions'. Project 2010 spoke to Jennings about these, and other, issues...  How has your book been received in South Africa? It's hard to say - to be honest, it hasn't been marketed anywhere in the world, but it has sold here and it obviously has had some influence. At this stage of the mega event cycle, the locals are waking up to the fact that they are being screwed. You are seeing these stories now in the South African media about ticketing and accommodation and everyone realises they are not benefiting. Your book focuses on allegations of corruption within FIFA, but isn't this part and parcel of an organisation of this magnitude - after all, the International Olympic Committee has also been tainted by scandals. Yes, and I've written three books on the IOC but that doesn't make it right. What was you reaction to South Africa losing the rights to host the 2006 World Cup in FIFA's history? I don't know that I have a reaction. I can just say that (FIFA President Sepp) Blatter is a survivor - he wanted to appease Europe and the Africans and he didn't count on Charlie Dempsey doing what he did. Are you confident about South Africa's hosting of the 2010 World Cup? I don't know enough….I don't live here. Time will tell whether there will be enough electricity and whether the crime and transport issues will be ok. My one concern is the monstrosity of Green Point (Cape Town's 2010 stadium). After the World Cup, you'll be going after these people who spent your billions. When you get the bills, the stories will start coming in - the chickens will start coming in to roost. But what about the positives? The World Cup has resulted in magnificent stadiums this continent has never seen before - and FIFA has spent millions developing the sport throughout Africa... I don't see the positives - it's their job… they have the money and they should be doing it. more interviews... |
