2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Every World Cup represents a major challenge for the insurance industry. Such mega-events expose the organisers and the host country to substantial financial risks. These range from the construction and operation of stadiums to the provision of infrastructure like public transport and the cancellation of matches or even the whole tournament. The TV broadcasting rights alone may be worth a three-digit million amount.

In 2010, South Africa will become the first African state to stage the World Cup, marking a significant move away from the competition’s focus on Europe and South America. Munich Re has already taken the first steps towards covering the World Cup and thus contributing to the success of the tournament. It has provided reinsurance for the construction and refurbishment of several stadiums, for example. Another important project leading up to the World Cup is the Gautrain, an express rail service that is to link Johannesburg and Pretoria by 2010. Munich Re has made its capacity available for this project as well.

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