FIFA and South Africa beginning to feel the pressure of the boycott

FIFA and South Africa's 2010 representatives have both gone on the record in response to the pressure that they are feeling from threats of a World Cup boycott. This is a positive development, as it shows that both FIFA and South Africa are feeling the pressure of this grassroots led boycott. They have had to publicly dispell doubts regarding South Africa's role as host of the World Cup because of the pressure that they are feeling with regard to Mbeki's failure to pressure the Mugabe government.

FIFA's representative stated "The World Cup is a huge leverage, but there are limits ... the World Cup doesn't give you the power to push President Mbeki to say anything other than what he wants to say .... We can just say that we are concerned ... and we have to find a solution."

I find it positive that FIFA feels that the stability of Zimbabwe is crucial in South Africa's success in hosting the World Cup. I also feel that we need to continue our efforts so that press releases such as this become more common.