Knowledge bank: This paper, by Dr. Gary Baines, looks into the way in which the hosting of 2010 World Cup matches has effected South African city Port Elizabeth. It also examines the potential legacy for the city, a legacy viewed as “likely to exacerbate existing economic disparities, contribute social instability and increase tensions within the ruling party at local level as it struggles to defuse dashed expectations amongst its constituency.”

Words fail when describing the performance and behavior of the French players during the World Cup. It is not sufficient to blame the coach - who was voted the worst coach since King Louis XVI of France. The players behaved like medieval fools. Now I suggest they go to Gaza to get rid of their reputation as national fools and contribute to the solution of a tense, international conflict.

The World Cup kicked off on June 11, here in Africa, though in the Southern part of the continent. This particular tournament and football in general play an immeasurable role in uniting people with different ideologies in cultures, religion and political affiliations.

Lennart Johansson, whose powerful stature always inspired awe, is 80 years old. The Swede has had a full life, he has even served as a football official. He served as the President of the European Football Union (UEFA) between 1990 and 2007, and he is the founding father of the UEFA Champions League.

On Monday the president of the Somali National Olympic committee, Aden Hajji Yabarow, called on Somali fans to turn their attention from the World Cup and instead watch the local leagues.

South Africa, which is hosting the World Cup this year, is projected to get a major boost to its advertising economy.

Declan Hill comments on FIFA's promises to fight down match-fixing in this year's World Cup and remarks on possible match-fixing activities in the vulnerable last matches of the group-stage games.

The one time I tried to get into St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, I was stopped because I wore shorts. Bare knees are not appropriate for the Pope and his patrons. This day, at least, they missed the opportunity to save a lost soul. Now I wonder if the attitudes and strategies of the St. Peter have rubbed off on FIFA. FIFA also has a clothing police to prevent happy supporters from provoking their beneficiaries.