Will South Africa lose the World Cup?

AIDS, in addition to the high crime rate and poor infrastructure have fueled rumours that South Africa could lose the 2010 World Cup.

Rumours that South Africa may lose the 2010 World Cup have been reported by a number of international news agencies. As reported in The Australian Newspaper, speculation began when a Afrikaans newspaper cited the high AIDS rate, as well as crime and a lack of infrastructure as reasons for the World Cup being taken away from South Africa. Apparently, the back-up plan is to have Australia host. However, The Australian Newspaper also reported that both FIFA, the governing body of football, and the Australian government have denied that such a plan B exists. Taking away the 2010 World Cup from South Africa would mean a huge loss of revenue and jobs which could translate into a setback in the economy and therefore, the fight against AIDS.