From time to time the media checks in on the progress in South Africa, host of the 2010 World Cup. According to a Reuters report, everything seems to be on track for a successful first World Cup in Africa-except for the quality on the field. Danny Jordaan, chief of the South Africa 2010 organizing committee, told reporters that stadium development and sponsorship and TV rights sales were all on schedule, and that revenue from the latter would be greater than that of 2006. Jordaan instead deflected concerns to South Africa's soccer team, which he said was lacking consistency on the field and would need improvement if South Africa wishes to progress to the knockout stages.
"We have two completion dates," he said. "By December 2008 we will have the five stadia we need for the (2009) Confederations Cup -- four of those are ready today." The remaining stadiums he said must be completed by October 2009. As for South Africa's domestic problems, such as poor public transportation in its major cities and a high crime rate, Jordaan said there had not been a single incident in the last 13 years for any "major event" hosted in the country.
In all, the 2010 tournament has already sold $3.2 million worth of sponsorship, and more than $1 billion for TV rights.
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