To step up the fight against match-fixing before the 2010 World Cup, FIFA has set up a confidential hotline for players, coaches and referees to use if someone attempts to bribe them.

With all the hype surrounding international football and the spectacle of the World Cup tournament, the concern amongst South Africans is the legacy that the prestigious event will leave in its wake.

“Sport can unite the African continent and help establish peace” said South African President Jacob Zuma at a gala dinner celebrating Africa Day on Saturday. He believes that the entire African continent can claim ownership of the event, which should be used to ensure dialogue and co-operation among Africans.

Alejandro Valverde has been stripped of his No1 world ranking after a request for sanctions by the International Cycling Union (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) was upheld by sport's highest court.

FIFA will not continue to investigate controversial comments made by Lord Triesman after deciding there is "no indication that there is any basis to the allegations" that Spain and Russia were attempting to collude to bribe referees at the 2010 World Cup.

As the 2010 World Cup in South Africa approaches, the question of what South Africa actually gains from hosting this mega-event is raised more frequently. The South African organisers proclaim that the World Cup will benefit South Africa and the African continent for years to come, but critical voices are joining in, asking who actually benefits from the 2010 World Cup.

English Premier League club Liverpool has been on the market for over a month now with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr valuing the club at GBP 600 million.

FIFA has avoided an embarrassing change of officials for next month’s World Cup by lifting a suspension on El Salvador.