Security issues at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa (Video)

What Issues Does South Africa Face To Keep Athletes And Fans Safe At The 2010 World Cup?

When the world descends on South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, all eyes will not only be on soccer, but on the ability of that country to protect the athletes, officials, fans and tourists as well. World Cup security will be on the minds of the USA soccer team, the Spain National team, German National team and the teams from all other participating countries.

In countries like the United States where large sporting events are fairly common, the securing of venues, hotels, travel routes and remote locations is complicated but fairly routine. Given the inexperience of South Africa in dealing with an event of this size and stature, and the attraction that the 2010 World Cup will potentially have for terrorists, the issue of security looms large.

Some areas of concern include IED's, worker background checks, the securing of travel routes, soft targets such as hotels, safety of tourists beyond the security perimeter, qualifications of police, logistical problems moving people around, potential hostage situations and dealing with suspicious packages.

STRATFOR Global Intelligence

Analyst Fred Burton of STRATFOR has examined the issue of security for the upcoming World Cup in the video below.

This video is a special sneak peek at STRATFOR's members-only content and is reposted with express permission of STRATFOR.

Photo courtesy of AP.

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