Another Stain on 2010 World Cup

All things considered, China made it through the Summer Olympics proving it could host a major world event without constant catastrophe. There was the tragic murder of an American coach’s in-laws and the burgeoning concern with human rights violations by the Chinese government, but most will instead remember the actual athletic achievements or the spectacle of Chinese architecture and showmanship.
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↵It does not appear we are headed on a similar path with regard to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Jimmy Mohala, a member of the S.A. host committee who blew the whistle on a corrupt bid process for one of the stadiums, was murdered Sunday at his home by a pair of masked men. Suffice it to say this does not speak well to the ability of South African authorities to protect visiting players and fans -- never mind the concern that actual S.A. soccer federation officials seem to be trying to mute any hint the murder was connected to Mohala’s whistle-blowing.
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↵China broke through its reputation to provide a safe venue and avoid pervasive appearances of rampant gilding of the situation. South Africa is dealing with the shadowy murder of a soccer official. FIFA refuses to consider moving the Cup. But the federation needs to step in to really assess the situation on the ground, lest we watch a second Munich.↵