Another Stain on 2010 World Cup

All things considered, China made it through the Summer Olympics proving it could host a major world event without constant catastrophe. There was the tragic murder of an American coach's in-laws and the burgeoning concern with human rights violations by the Chinese government, but most will instead remember the actual athletic achievements or the spectacle of Chinese architecture and showmanship.

It does not appear we are headed on a similar path with regard to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Jimmy Mohala, a member of the S.A. host committee who blew the whistle on a corrupt bid process for one of the stadiums, was murdered Sunday at his home by a pair of masked men. Suffice it to say this does not speak well to the ability of South African authorities to protect visiting players and fans -- never mind the concern that actual S.A. soccer federation officials seem to be trying to mute any hint the murder was connected to Mohala's whistle-blowing.

China broke through its reputation to provide a safe venue and avoid pervasive appearances of rampant gilding of the situation. South Africa is dealing with the shadowy murder of a soccer official. FIFA refuses to consider moving the Cup. But the federation needs to step in to really assess the situation on the ground, lest we watch a second Munich.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.