Libya bidding on 2010 World Cup

[GRClarkesq]

That fact not exactly LBN, but a motive for Gaddafy to make amends with the west if he wants a shot at hosting the World Cup.

Remember also, Gaddafy is a soccer nut. One of his sons plays on a pro team in Europe.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sportsnews/view/60549/1/.html

[Mercurius]

1. I've heard this theory before

It's a good one.

[tkmorris]

2. Not gonna happen

It just plain won't. Sepp Blatter is a corrupt idiot but even he isn't dumb enough to do that. Libya lacks the infrastructure to host a world cup and there is no way they can guarantee security. They moved the Women's World Cup to the United States over SARS; they would never risk this kind thing.

Look for Egypt to get the nod in the end. That will likely create security headaches as well but is tons better than the proposed Libya/Tunisia joint venture.

[damnraddem]

3. Well, Libya can bid on it.

But I bet that Halliburton gets it! ;-)

[GRClarkesq]

4. South Africa have the best shot?

Just wondering? Better combination of infrastructure and security.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

5. SA should be a shoo-in. Libya has, what? two stadiums?

[chasqui]

6. Might as well have NK host it.

Am I missing something, but wouldn't you need the facilities to attract untold amounts of tourists to the event?
And for that matter, given the incidence of AIDS in SA, how wise would it be to have SA host it also?

[wysi]

8. SA got cheated last time...

... for the 2006 bid (should have gone there but for some political posturing by the Oceania rep), so they will definitely get 2010.

The problem with the WC is that it's so big that very few countries could put on a good one. I'm hoping Australia will bid for 2014 (I saw Brazil - SA in Olympic soccer in Brisbane in 2000, and that was excellent), given that I've missed my two previous chances to attend a WC match.

[Liberal_Dog]

10. South America Will Be In The Mix, Too

South America hasn't hosted a World Cup since 1978(Argentina), so they will definitely be strong contenders for 2010 and 2014 as well.

[GRClarkesq]

7. FIFA says it has to be in Africa

Does not leave you with a choice without some problems.

[stickdog]

9. This is only because Bush told him to and he's so scared of Bush that

he'll do anything Bush wants.

[mouse7]

11. Somalia 2010!

Just dump all the teams and a few bags of balls in the center of Mogadishu and whoever gets a member of their team across the border with a ball first wins.

Now THAT would be a ratings winner even in the US.

[davidinalameda]

12. and of course, the US and probably Britain

will be supporting the bid

So Gaddafi is a good dictator now, right?