Vella Nyoni
THE Fifa Soccer World Cup was undoubtedly one of the biggest sporting events in South African history. However, claims have surfaced that the South African government paid millions to win the bid to host the prestigious event.
The US justice department has made allegations that South Africa paid bribes in order to secure the 2010 soccer world cup, but the minister for sport and recreation, Fikile Mbalula has slammed these allegations, saying South Africa was not involved in anything illegal regarding the Soccer World Cup.
Express asked residents if they thought these allegations were true.
“I do not think South Africa was involved in any bribery. We planned for the world cup for a long time, so we were well prepared for it, that’s why we won the bid. We won it fair and square. There are people who are just jealous of our success as a country, so they are making up stories that are not true just to discredit the country,” said Obed Monama.
Tumelo Mmakola said he was not sure what to believe about the allegations, but emphasised that people were capable of doing anything, especially when money was involved.
“On the other hand, I think we are more developed than Morocco, so we were fit to host the tournament. I am really conflicted about this issue,” said Mmakola.
According to Sipho Manganye, these allegations may be true.
“Our country is all about bribery; it is part of our culture these days. Everything revolves around bribes, so I am not surprised that something such as this surfaced after such a long time,” he said.
Amos Senwamadi said he did not think the allegations were true.
“They don’t have proof that a crime was committed; if this is true, why did it take four and a half years for this to come to light? We were well prepared to host the world cup hence we won the bid,” said Senwamadi.
Lebogang Mabotja on the other hand said he believed government might have done something to secure the deal.
“In most businesses, there is always an element of bribery, so it is not shocking that this happened. Fifa is a political tool for most countries, so the bid cannot be handed to you on a silver platter. There was big money at stake, so it does not come as a surprise.”
Lucky Seabela agreed with Mabotja and added that the 2010 Soccer World Cup was supposed to go to Morroco, but came to South Africa instead.
“There was foul play involved, I mean why else did Sepp Blatter resign? Something went wrong.”
Mohau Phashe said Fifa introduced the whole bribery thing to South Africa.
“I think that it was Fifa’s idea because I believe they have been doing it for years, so they approached us and told the officials to pay the money and win the bid. I don’t think we did anything wrong, it is all Fifa’s s fault, because there we similar allegations in 1998,” said Phashe.
