International Soccer Teams Look at Hiring Security Companies For This Year's World Cup

As South Africa prepares for one of the mostif they are set to use a local company or recruit
anticipated Soccer World Cup's in FIFA's history,security from their home country.
there are many factors that our country has toSo far, South Africa is not taking the issue of
contend with. Will there be enough hotels for all thesecurity lightly. They have budgeted approximately
visitors? What about our public transport system?1.2 billion rands on security measures and this
And most importantly, what about security? Securityenormous budget has been spent on hiring security
companies are being contracted to protect touristsguards (41 000 of them to be precise) helicopters
and government assures all visitors who are comingand security other devices. South Africans are said to
to our country in June this year that the mostbe disappointed that international countries still want
stringent security measures will be followedto hire security companies after all these measures
throughout the tournament. But even though thehave been put in place.
government is promising the highest level ofThere is also a security related workshop that is set
protection for visitors and players, some countriesto take place in February this year. This workshop,
aren't convinced. From bullet proof vest sales toheld in Sun City, will look at the protective measures
private security company hiring, individuals enteringin place for the upcoming tournament and will speak
the country later this year are not taking anyto countries representatives on security measures.
chances.Experts say that a majority of the soccer teams will
Some countries that are bringing their players to playonly then decide if security companies are needed
in the FIFA world cup are taking extra protectivefor extra protection.
measures and hiring their own private securityLocal security companies have said that they have
companies in South Africa to protect them at allalready been contacted about security contracts for
times whilst they travel within the country. Europeanthe 2010 World Cup and see the extra security
countries such as Germany and Italy as well asmeasures as inevitable during the time. South African
Australia and New Zealand from Australasia areofficials continue to reassure visitors, players and
reportedly contemplating the use of securitylocals and feel that there is no need for local security
companies that will come equipped with a team ofcompanies and their services as the security
guards that will travel with the players. Thesemeasures will suffice.
international teams have supposedly not yet decided