Africa’s place in the international football system

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Problem to be investigated

1.3. Aims of the thesis

1.4. Research question and hypothesis

1.5. Literature review

1.6. Framework for analysis

1.6.1. World-Systems analysis

1.6.2. Criticism on Modern World-Systems theory and overcoming it

1.6.3. Conceptualisation of Universalism regarding football

1.6.4. Football within the framework of Modern World-Systems theory

1.7. Summary

CHAPTER TWO: FROM AN ENGLISH TO A GLOBAL GAME

2.1. Introduction

2.2. The beginnings of football

2.2.1. From medieval times to the Renaissance

2.2.2. Utilisation of football for education and socialisation

2.2.3. Industrialisation and universalism

2.2.4. Amateurism versus professionalism

2.3. Spread of football

2.3.1. British cultural hegemony

2.3.2. Football and mass media

2.3.3. The link between football, industry, and politics

2.4. FIFA

2.4.1. The beginnings of FIFA as the universal football body

2.4.2. FIFA versus the Olympic football tournament

2.4.3. FIFA versus the Mitropacup

2.4.4. The FIFA World Cup

2.4.5. FIFA’s universal power and military preconditions

2.5. Summary

CHAPTER THREE: FROM EUROPEAN IMPERIALISM TO AFRICAN EMANCIPATION

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Rise of football in African culture

3.2.1. European imperialism and colonialism

3.2.2. Internal African resistance

3.2.3. International African resistance

3.2.4. International institutionalisation of African football

3.3. Rise of Africa in FIFA

3.3.1. Demise of English power

3.3.2. Havelange, the new FIFA President from Brazil

3.3.3. South Africa’s role in the 1974 Presidential elections

3.3.4. Havelange’s promises

3.3.5. Northern capital for Havelange’s FIFA

3.4. Increased African representation in international football

3.4.1. African football success

3.4.2. Neo-colonialism

3.4.3. Comparative advantage

3.4.4. Problems in African national associations

3.4.5. Differences within Africa

3.5. Summary

CHAPTER FOUR: AFRICAN EMANCIPATION IN FIFA DIPLOMACY

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Diplomatic preconditions

4.2.1. The 2002 World Cup co-hosting decision

4.2.2. Johansson versus Blatter

4.2.3. Television rights

4.3. The two opposing blocs of votes

4.3.1. German formation behind the World Cup bid

4.3.2. German hegemony in UEFA

4.3.3. South Africa and CAF’s division

4.3.4. South Africa’s deal with Brazil

4.4. The public discourse as a moment of pressure

4.4.1. Negative views on FIFA and South Africa’s anger

4.4.2. The Asian ExCom members

4.4.3. The Dempsey Case

4.5. Towards the rotation system and the African World Cup

4.5.1. FIFA’s official version regarding bribery speculations

4.5.2. South Africa’s anger at Dempsey

4.5.3. Towards the 2010 World Cup in Africa

4.6. Summary

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION

Objectives and Research Scope

This thesis investigates the reasons behind the decision to award the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa, aiming to understand the underlying processes within the international football system. It explores how this decision reflects the interplay between economic practices and normative principles, ultimately situating the African continent's position within the global capitalist world-economy.

• Analysis of the international football system's structural and political dynamics.
• Examination of the historical role of football in European imperialism and African emancipation.
• Investigation of FIFA diplomacy and the influence of interest groups on host decisions.
• Application of Modern World-Systems theory to evaluate the capitalist motivations behind sports governance.

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Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundation by introducing Modern World-Systems theory and setting the stage for analyzing football as a socio-economic system.

CHAPTER TWO: FROM AN ENGLISH TO A GLOBAL GAME: This chapter explores the historical roots of football, its transformation into an professional sport, and the rise of FIFA as a global institution shaped by European interests.

CHAPTER THREE: FROM EUROPEAN IMPERIALISM TO AFRICAN EMANCIPATION: This chapter examines the role of football in African history, moving from a tool of colonial subordination to a platform for African national identity and international diplomatic influence.

CHAPTER FOUR: AFRICAN EMANCIPATION IN FIFA DIPLOMACY: This chapter analyzes the political pressure and diplomatic maneuvers surrounding the host decisions for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION: The final chapter synthesizes the main findings, arguing that the rotation system was a strategic necessity for FIFA to preserve its legitimacy while navigating the contradictions of the capitalist world-economy.

Keywords

FIFA World Cup, South Africa, Modern World-Systems theory, International Football, Africa, Colonialism, Neo-colonialism, FIFA diplomacy, Economic practice, Normative principles, Capitalism, Globalisation, Political economy, Representation, Hegemony

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this thesis?

The thesis examines the global politics and economics behind FIFA's decision to award the 2010 World Cup to South Africa, interpreting it through the lens of international relations and world-systems theory.

What are the key themes addressed?

The research focuses on the intersection of sport and politics, the influence of capitalism on football development, the evolution of FIFA's global role, and the dynamics of African representation in international football.

What is the primary objective of the work?

The primary aim is to analyze the structures and processes of the international football system to determine how and why political and economic variables influence major decisions like World Cup hosting rights.

Which methodology is employed in this study?

The study utilizes a qualitative, interpretive methodology, framing the analysis within the Modern World-Systems theory to understand social interaction on a global scale.

What topics does the main body cover?

The main body provides a historical progression from football's roots in European imperialism and its early professionalization, to the growth of FIFA, and finally, the diplomatic struggles over representation involving African states, particularly South Africa.

Which keywords define the research?

Key terms include FIFA World Cup, South Africa, Modern World-Systems theory, International Football, Africa, Neo-colonialism, FIFA diplomacy, and Political economy.

How does the author explain FIFA's transition to a rotation system?

The author argues that FIFA was compelled by public discourse and the threat of exposure of non-transparent practices to adopt a rotation system to maintain its claim to universal principles like fairness and equality.

What role did media play in the 2006 host decision?

The media acted as a crucial control institution, where the public disclosure of negative information regarding bidding processes exerted significant pressure on FIFA's stakeholders, forcing them to address internal inconsistencies.