FIFA Allocates Places For The 2010 World Cup

Mere months after the rather dull 2006 edition of the World Cup concluded in Germany, FIFA has already began the process of allocating places for the 2010 edition. In perhaps what is one of the most controversial and politicised functions of FIFA, the 31 remaining spots for the final tournament are allocated by continent. (The 32nd spot is for the hosts, in this case South Africa, who automatically qualify).

According to reports, the spots for 2010 will be allocated as such:

• UEFA (Europe): 13
• CAF (Africa): 5
• AFC (Asia): 4.5
  
• OFC (Oceania): 0.5
  
• CONCACAF (North & Central America): 3.5
• CONMEBOL (South America): 4.5

The most remarkable thing about these allocations is that they are unchanged from the 2006 edition. The only differences are that the playoffs change from AFC v CONCACAF & CONMEBOL v OFC to the more logical CONMEBOL v CONCACAF, while the winner of the 2008 OFC Nations Cup winner will qualify for the final group stage of the AFC qualification tournament.

Implied in these allocations is the rise in strength of the emerging confederations. While in theory places are allocated in such a way as to try to get the best teams in the world in the final tournament, the prestige (and perhaps not unsubstantial amounts of money at stake) for mealy qualifying for the World Cup finals means that there is some very intense competition off the field. Due to the strong performances of European teams in 2006, many expected to see their allocation increased. The fact that this has not happened demonstrates an increased willingness to stand up against the old powers of UEFA and CONMEBOL.

Not all confederations rely on nobility and footballing prowess to gain a good deal however. The allocation of 3.5 spots for CONCACAF, in the context of their team's relatively poor performances in World Cup finals has rankled many, especially Europeans who feel that they are bearing the costs of globalising participation the the World Cup. Many would suggest that there is only one reason for such generosity: The U.S. and the potential goldmine it represents. While cynical, it is also probably realistic. However as noted before, the nature of this process is highly political. Students of politics might remember that politics is about the allocation of power and resources. In this game, the CONCACAF is the Pelé of the backroom deal.