A poor and non-integrated public transport system can be crippling for a World Cup host nation, yet many South Africans were optimistic at the news of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems planned for Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth, with the Johannesburg Rea Vaya BRT intended to be ready for the Confederations Cup in September 2009.

A hard-hitting documentary, which alleges that South Africa has wasted resources preparing to host the World Cup, has been snubbed by the country's three main broadcasters.

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.

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.

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

It's easy - and perhaps convenient - to find political issues in this year's World Cup in South Africa. Just the fact that the World Cup takes place in South Africa might be seen as a political issue in itself. But after North Korea sank a South Korean warship in March this year, it is even easier to make political issues out of North Korea and South Korea’s matches.