Exploring the Legacy Claims of Major Sporting Events:A Case Study of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Abstract

The FIFA World Cup has become one of the largest sporting events in the World to date. The World Cup unites 32 nations from various continents around the World every four years in one host country. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa who spent an astonishing £2.4 billion on hosting the tournament. The concept of legacy that surrounds a major sporting event plays a huge role within the modern world. By hosting the FIFA World Cup and spending so much money on creating the event, South Africa looked to reap the benefits that came with the tournament. Legacy planning is vital throughout the bidding and planning processes which in some ways, was not given full considerations by the 2010 host country, South Africa. Ten South African based participants were interviewed during the project in order to collect opinions and experiences surrounding the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Transcriptions were thematically analysed and emerging themes and patterns were identified. Research conclusions found that there was a mixture of benefits and drawbacks for South Africa before, during and after hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The research also showed that social image impacts were highly affected throughout the tournament, as they still are today. The legacy of the sporting event varied; therefore giving the 2010 FIFA World Cup a far less positive conclusion than previous events of that scale. These findings and outcomes contribute towards existing sources and information surrounding the legacy claims of major sporting events. It also used a highly popular event; ensuring improved understanding for future event planners and host country candidates for the delivery of such a mega event and the legacy that could be taken away from it.