The Portfolio Committee on Sport
and Recreation undertook a study tour visit to Germany in order to gather more
facts on the challenges they encountered in their last lap of preparations for
2006 FIFA World Cup. The Committee intends to vigorously play a vital role as
watchdog over the entities the Committee exercises oversight on with valuable
and informative facts. The visit took place from 23 to 29 April 2006.
2. Objectives
of the visit:
·
What plans are in place for building of infrastructures,
especially stadiums?
·
What legislation is in place and what impact it has towards
the preparations?
·
What plans are there for the preparation of the national
team?
·
What are the plans for mobilizing effective local support?
·
How does the
government coordinate the federations?
The report reflects the activities
undertaken by the delegation in relation to the objectives with various
presentations made to the delegates by the various stakeholders, site visits,
formal interactions and experiences identified by the Committee during the
visit.
The delegation was joined by senior officials of different government departments
involved in the preparations of the FIFA World Cup led by Dr J Phaahla,
Director General for 2010 government Local Organising Committee.
5.1 Meeting with
Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV)
The purpose of the meeting was to find out how transport system has been
planned, constructed and finalised, who funded the project and the duration of
construction. The MVV was founded in 1972 during the Olympic Games held in
Germany. The kind of operation that MVV uses is only known in Austria, Germany
and Switzerland. Presently there are thousands of people viewing the stadium
using public transport and there are also games played every two weeks.
Compared to the 1974 World Cup, this one has become a global spectacle
that brings entirely different logistical challenges. It is foreseen that not
only the increased number of spectators will present challenges, but also
numerous representatives from the press and the broadcast media, for whom
support, information and transport services must be provided. The public
transport system in Munich will cover the city and eight surrounding rural
districts.
There are three levels of transport systems:
·
Public authority, which order
transport and pays.
·
Management companies that coordinate
and plan
·
There are fifty eight (58)
operating companies
MVV consists of more than 50 different transport companies. This network
is made up of Deutsche Bahn’s ten suburban railway lines and national rail’s 13
branches, which provides direct access from across the region to the city
centre. The principal features of transport are: network; timetable where all
transport types are condensed in and tariff that is one ticket valid for all
means of transport. Times of train and bus schedule must be shown on timetable
as well as the date of each game. MVV was introduced through legislation in
1996 divided into MVG for city buses and RVO for rural transport. Tourists
transported per annum are approximately 70 million. Busses are safe and they
are constantly tested. The number of passengers who use the transport per day
is 1,8 million according to statistics.
MVV also has eight high-performance underground lines in the City of
Munich operated by the Munich Transport Company. 10 tramlines, around 70 city bus
routes and over 210 regional bus routes, complement the network. Taxis are
private sector and are not linked to government transport system. There will be
more than 150 TV stations based in Munich for the opening match. The total
World Cup matches to be played in Munich are six. The stadium has a parking
space for 11 000 cars and 350 busses. Munich’s Allianz-Arena stadium will be
used as the venue. The Allianz-Arena is where the clubs FC Bayern Munchen and
TSV 1860 Munchen hold their matches.
The project has one-year trial run of transporting people to the stadium
and train schedules were taken into consideration on what could be possible
challenges. The minimum period for building a stadium is three years.
5.2 Meeting
with Munich Municipality – addressed by deputy mayor and Ms Henriette Wagerle:
Coordination office of the Soccer World Cup.
Ms Wagerle said that FIFA congress would take place in Germany two days
before the opening. The new regulation of FIFA provides that the host country’s
team plays in the opening game. 1 to 2 billion spectators around the world are
expected to watch the game, and the final game will be played in Berlin. Games
will be played in twelve cities. The deputy mayor commended the delegation for
the visit because Germany made a mistake of not visiting Korea-Japan after they
hosted to get first hand information on challenges, successes and failures.
People in Tokyo did not have tickets and they celebrated in the streets, but
Germany would be offering Olympic Park for 20 000 to 30 000 people to watch the
game on a big screen, with music, food and drink. FIFA does not allow a stadium
to be named after the sponsors but to reflect as FIFA WORLD CUP STADIUM.
The deputy mayor informed the delegation that FIFA gives late information
on protocol issues, the Federal Government was also told at a very late stage
to bring protocol concept. The advice given to the delegation was that each
host city must get information from FIFA about the steps of handling protocol
issues. More information was to be shared during the FIFA congress that is to
take place before the World Cup. A day before the game the city will have
reception for FIFA delegation. The host city should know exactly who will be
involved in the congress and must insist on what each city must do in terms of
host city dressing or having flags in public places and lamp posts, which is
one of FIFA regulations. It is not clear when FIFA gives instructions on the
terms they use during signing of contracts.
One of the biggest challenges is ticketing. Federal Government would
want to know whether it would buy tickets or get them free from FIFA. Each host
city must buy 2400 tickets within two weeks and have to choose within those two
weeks how to use them. Tickets have to be personalised which is problematic
because one has to have all information of the person to put it on the system.
It takes time to issue tickets when information has been submitted.
Munich learnt how to welcome guests during Lisbon Euro Games and decided
to use those lessons. Cities have rights to decide on their policies and
government here is very independent.
National security plan is in place and the highest security official
decides on what to do in cases of danger and emergency. They are trained for
disaster plan e.g when hooligans fight or during terrorism acts. There will be
one hundred and seventy-five (175) check points before one goes through the
stadium but for Olympic Park where public viewing will take place, it would not
be easy to have tight security due to the nature of celebrations
envisaged. The City of Munich will pay
for tight checkpoints, which are very expensive.
The host country must think of the capacity of hotels for accommodating
fans from other regions or countries. The police must guarantee security. One
of the benefits for the country is to showcase it and boost its economy. In
Germany they had to provide for five training fields in five weeks and then
close them for some time. No advertisements would take place in those venues.
FIFA looks at the stadium, designs its own needs and advises on what should be
there and what should not be there.
The delegation was warned of FIFA’s stringent regulations. Marketing is
in the hands of FIFA and only sponsors from FIFA are used. The city must work
closely with FIFA to avoid conflict and the stadiums must only use World Cup
names not sponsorship names, Allianz Arena Stadium was built for Î340 million by the two clubs that own it. FIFA
provides volunteers and Local Organising Committee train them. There are
Federal Rights; State Rights, City Rights and FIFA Rights.
FIFA headquarters emphasise on bid campaigns with certain strategies.
Strategies to hold major events are based on technical environment,
architectural and emotional impact. LOC is not involved in TV and Hospitality
Rights, that is FIFA’s responsibility.
The local, regional and federal government have spent a total of 288
million Îeuros to improve traffic
access and link the arena to the A9 and A99 freeways and to the city’s subway network.
The use of stadium parking facilities will be restricted during the tournament.
However, the use of public transport to get to and from the stadium is included
in the price of match tickets. Subway trains will arrive at the stadium every
two-and-a-half minute.
Marketing structure:
5.3 Bavarian
Provincial Parliament
The chairperson of the
Bavarian Parliament portfolio committee informed the delegation that the
building of infrastructure is government’s responsibility. Germany has underground
transport system, which is partially financed by the Federal Government and
provincial Parliament. Bavarian
Parliament also took a decision that if overnment build roads, they cannot
invest that money on other infrastructure. Rural areas have other priorities
that are different from the city ones but the city is happy to support those
priorities.
The delegation was advised to
prepare for the event years in advance to achieve the best results. The schools
played a major role in preparing the kids to welcome, own and feel proud of the
event.
In terms of transport, it was
cooperation of Bavarian state and the City of Munich who contributed. Bavaria
has rural development programmes but the only conflict is the interest of rural
people versus urban people. The major event cannot take place in rural areas
due to many factors.
Federal government initiated
campaign of competition ideas with awards to special projects like art,
culture, social, marketing and invention of new ideas. Parliament had bad and
good experiences at national level, Minister of Sport is responsible and
Parliament has Task Force Committee that was created by Ministers of Education;
Transport and Economic Affairs. The committee was not successful. As a result
there is Parliamentary enquiry to this committee as money was spent without
accountability or supporting documents. It was noted that people who are
involved in sport and business should come together but politicians must give
framework but not to be entirely involved. There will be close cooperation with
different police services. German Air force will be involved for air space
protection but soldiers are not to take part. Schools, sports people and
interior security must be used.
5.4 Tour of Allianz Arena Stadium
The delegation took time to
tour the stadium to gather information on its construction, duration, cost and
what is contained inside. The stadium cost Î340 million
and will serve Munich’s two local soccer clubs, Bayern Munich and TSV
1860. For the duration of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, the stadium will
bear the name FIFA World Cup Stadium Munich, not Allianz Arena as it is
presently known. It is the most modern stadium in Europe. The varying colours
that light up the outer skin make the stadium a genuine visual and
architectural highlight. It took less than three years to build this
architecturally unique arena.
A referendum was held in
Bavaria about the stadium. A referendum produced an overwhelming 65,8% majority
in favour of the project and 34,2% against. The foundation was laid on 21
October 2002 and handover was on 30 April 2005. The owners are Bayern Munich
and TSV 1860 sharing 50% each. The total capacity is 69 901 undercover
including executive boxes and business seats. There are 9 800 parking places;
the entrance height is 2 metres; three hundred and fifty (350) coach places and
one hundred and thirty (130) parking spaces for the disabled.
Guaranteeing safety and
security of visitors is a major challenge to the city’s disaster prevention
team. State of the art security standards were observed in building the new
stadium and media centre. The emergency services are well prepared for any
incidents in the stadium or at the Fan Festival in the Olympic Park. Strict
security controls in and around the stadium will ensure the safety of visitors
and make sure all matches can run smoothly.
The following can be found inside the Arena stadium:
Allianz Arena will host the prestigious opening match, three preliminary
round games, one quarterfinal and one semi-final, which is a total of six
games. The basic shell of the stadium was completed on schedule. The Arena won
2003 German Fire Prevention Award for its outstanding fire prevention plan. The
award is the principal accolade in Germany for fire prevention in buildings.
Stairway blocks are mounted in all three tiers; the first sliver-grey seats are
installed in the executive box area.
The road network around the stadium is completed. The newly built
connecting roads will be officially opened on 4 May together with the new
underground station. On 17 March 2005 the pitch was re-laid for the second
time.
6. COLOGNE
6.1 Dinner meeting
On the issue of the stadium Dr Schulte and Bern Siefert, former director
of sport and Steering Committee member of Cologne Stadium briefed the
delegation. Dr Schulte has been vice mayor and responsible for youth and sport
and international relations in Cologne. He has been the director of construction
for the stadium in Cologne. In the beginning more than thirty (30) cities
wished to have matches played but later only 16 were selected in the first
round and in the second round 12 cities were finally selected with Cologne
being one of those. All cities thought that they would benefit if hosting but
were later satisfied when responsibilities of hosting were announced. Benefits
are to be divided as follows:
·
All matches will be broadcast
through TV, radios and public viewing is very important to accommodate those
who cannot afford as this service is free
·
Economic aspect – thousands
will come and spend money in the city whether on hotels or food or music,
museum etc.
·
This is the first project in
the history of football in Cologne and supporters always follow their team.
Brazil supporters will stay in one hotel for the rest of the event for the
first time in the history of Germany but will travel to where the team plays
but will return to Cologne. The team will be accommodated where they play.
·
To ensure success one has to
create certain conditions. Cologne had a stadium before building a new one.
FIFA required a stadium with 50 000 spectators. The old one had to be
demolished.
After decision of building new stadium for the required capacity, the
second decision was to be taken on where to build it. It was decided to build
within the city in order to reach transport and avoid more problems and have to
see that roads and transport infrastructure is ready. It is important to use
public transport and there is tramway station closer to the stadium. The
stadium is built for 120m Euros and it can later be used for music festivals
etc, but all that must be planned at the beginning. Security forces will be
well prepared for hooligans but cannot guarantee 100% safety, as it might not
be possible.
Youth camps will be organised during the World Cup, as the period will
be very hostile to the young people, it’s during school holidays. There is law
to keep children busy by being offered tasks by local authorities. Sport and
leisure activities are organised for youth.
Youth sport is the biggest organisation in Cologne. Youth is trained and
project activities are organised for young disadvantaged youth.
The delegation sought clarity on hoe the stadium was refurbished and the
involvement of security during the design and planning of the stadium.
The response was that everything was broken down except the pitch; it was left
as it was. During the construction they had to guarantee that 30 000 spectators
will be accommodated. Dr Schulte was involved in building and took part in
selection of architect but was not involved in designing. Security was
involved.
6.2 Meeting with the director of events in the City of Cologne
Mr Wieneke informed the delegation that there will be five football
matches and the City of Cologne will provide wide range of cultural
programmes. There will be four different approaches to be followed:
(i)
Official programme
established by FIFA
(ii)
Number of artists to
participate will apply to FIFA and FIFA will select from many.
(iii)
Cultural activities are
organised by FIFA
(iv)
Cologne will participate for
two official activities i.e. dancing.
Cologne wants to establish its own cultural programme and even private
actors have organised their own activities. First type of activities are
organised by municipalities of Cologne under tremendous difficult conditions,
problem was finance of the private sector and the municipality needed sponsors
where one has to respect the sponsors rules put by FIFA. FIFA has its own exclusive
sponsors and it’s difficult to negotiate with FIFA to accept other sponsors.
Sponsors are limited to cities like Berlin and Munich since they are
hosting most of the games and as a result they would to take their own
money to finance own programmes. 500 000 euros was invested to finance cultural
own programmes – overall budget Î2 400. Compared to other cities Cologne’s situation is better in
planning and organisation of cultural games. G8 Summit took place here in 1999
and was organised by the city and 2001 Ice Hockey Championships, 2005 Youth
Catholic Church and 2010 will be Olympic Games for Gays and Lesbians. This kind
of games, like Olympic Games for Gays and Lesbians are unusual in other
countries but important in Cologne.
A dedicated unit should be established to look at the organisation of
successful event including security department. What the city cannot plan is
supporters coming from other places. Security measures are taken into account
for people coming in and out of Cologne and public viewing will be organised
for those who cannot get tickets. There is a high number of spectators expected
without tickets; have to deal with that; need to see that they are not violent
and the city has to be prepared. FIFA is in charge of what is happening in the
stadium but what happens outside is the city’s responsibility. FIFA sponsors
were ready to sponsor equipment but the rest is organised by the city.
Municipality owns copyrights and during the festival of the Ring, which
was organised by a private company, they also had copyrights. Public viewing is
exclusively under the municipality; FIFA has nothing to do with it. One has to
respect FIFA rules anyway because other sponsors outside FIFA are not
allowed. After addressing FIFA
officials it was found that none were prepared to sponsor. The local breweries
are allowed to sell their own beer.
There are two examples of operational concepts, biggest events are
represented by Chief of Marathon company and the Director in the municipality
as the Chief of Media company, private public partnership company in
cooperation with MTV etc. the other is responsible for planning and organising
concerning the development of the event. They use network of different actors
established years ago and representatives of municipality, police, medical
services and transportation. The two bodies will together decide and that is
how the event is technically planned and organised.
6.3 Meeting
with Head of Department in Cologne Municipality Sport Unit
Mr Sanden has been with the municipality since 1978 coordinating all the
media work. Included in the preparations package is transportation; tourism;
volunteer programme; public relations; cultural programme accompanying sport
events and public viewing. The most interesting thing is that when the country
is accommodating supporters, supporters pay but when accommodating a team, that
country pays for the team. Supporters are coming in more numbers than a team so
the country gains. The name of the stadium must also change from Rhein Energie
Stadion Koln to FIFA WM Stadion Koln. There is public free area around the
stadium.
FIFA controls and check all the movement of people. It is impossible to
work with professionals only when organising because they are very expensive
but using volunteers is the best, volunteers should be available for
information to assist visitors. No one is allowed to sell any product not
approved by FIFA even in the car park.
Benefits:
It is worth hosting the World Cup event for improvement of
infrastructures e.g. new highways are long term benefits. Gate systems are
sophisticated. In dealing with transport difficulties a new system has been
established with colour codes symbolising car parks and entrances to the
stadium.
Volunteer
programme:
There are two types, one with FIFA officials and the other one with
municipality officials. FIFA officials are available only during the matches.
Cologne volunteers do much work in the city. The delegation was advised to
convince FIFA to send volunteers that would stay for the whole period of the
event. Also students studying sport should be used and motivated to assist.
Tourism:
5 000 Brazilian supporters have already booked their accommodation in
Cologne. The reason for accommodating Brazilians is that Cologne and Brazil
share several similarities. All 64 matches can be viewed in a giant big screen
in the public viewing areas.
6.4 Meeting with the FIFA official
organiser (LOC)
Mr Krause noted that there is an outer parameter around the stadium that
will be closed from 28 May till 8 June for security reasons. There is an area
for two hundred and fifty (250) journalists. All journalists will travel to
other venues after 27 June, which is the last match to be played in Cologne. A
small facility will be provided for journalists to transmit to their cities.
Germany is obliged to build media centre to each stadium. Clarity was sought on
whether hospitals are going to be accredited or going to have spare beds for
emergencies.
The response was that twenty (20) beds must be reserved. A medical
officer will be in the stadium with three beds and those who are badly injured
will be transported to the clinic. FIFA provides medical officers with
information on health regulations and requirements inside the stadiums. VIP
areas have a small area for medical assistance regarding First Aid. LOC is responsible for security and is also
in charge of transporting FIFA VIPs. German Railway Company built new transport
infrastructure joining to the city centre and the Tramway added more lines.
6.5 MEETING WITH– ARD
OFFICIAL BROADCASTER
This is the largest TV centre and will be covering all first division
soccer leagues. FIFA and Germany Organising Committee focus on the opening now.
SA delegation was urged to negotiate with FIFA now because it is impossible for
FIFA to put prices for the tickets so high taking into account the high
enthusiasm of township soccer lovers. It is much important to fight for the
event and not to leave it to FIFA and have to bargain with FIFA sooner than
later.
2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup’s success depends on the handling of football
not being party political but be an international event. HBS is a world
broadcast that is experienced and successful and it will produce international
signal as mandated by FIFA.
6.6 Meeting
with the Under-secretary in the sport museum - Manfred Palmen
This museum ensures transfer of knowledge in preparation of the World
Cup. The aim is to present the area as friendly, tolerant and well organised.
There will be music programmes organised from local to international artists to
entertain in public viewing areas. A guide is produced and distributed in
English and German with dates, timetables for transport and cultural programmes
free of charge and additional information could be downloaded from the website.
FIFA protects its official sponsors as they pay high amounts. There has
been discussion on extension of shopping hours during the event.
7. BERLIN
7.1 Meeting with the
Minister of Transport
Dr Grossman is a member of Federal Government, holding a position as the
State Secretary. There was 3,7bn euros made available for expansion of railway
network and railway station that will be finished in May. The strategy devised
was to bring visitors/foreigners who are not familiar with the area quicker and
easier to the stadium. Fans will have a colour symbolising where the seat is
and the area of entrance. Guests are expected to reach stadiums by means of
public transport in their thousands. Basic minimum requirement is to have at
least 50% of guests use public transport without paying extra.
Stadium here is divided into four colours according to the tickets. Cars
and buses also have different colours for parking. Navigation system should be
switched off and everybody must use the road prepared.
Every station is renovated and reconstructed; transport infrastructure
was completed in November 2005 with lanes widened to six. Host cities, Federal
Government and provinces did refurbishment.
7.2 Meeting
at SA Embassy with the Minister of Interior and Sport (Coordinator of 2006 of
the Federal Government), Dr G Rosenthal (Security Commissioner) and Mr B
Schiphorst (FIFA Organising Committee member)
The Minister congratulated the delegation on the Freedom Day and
appreciated the invitation to share the information on the preparation. The
Minister played the key role in organising and coordinating the preparations
with the relevant departments involved. Guarantees given to FIFA should
be arranged as criteria. Most of plans were finished by 2005. Berlin
will host most games including the final match.
Dr G Rosenthal briefed the delegation on security as important aspect
referring to the experience of 1972 Olympic Games. Preparations started in 2001
and the main challenge was how to divide the tasks between government and
private organisations. The government is working closely with the private
sector. A national concept was developed on security in May 2005 and was put in
practise during the Federation’s Cup. Hooliganism will be prevented at an early
stage but there is no specific phenomenon to deal with organised crime. It is
expected that crime like theft will be a big issue in pubic viewing areas.
There are thirty-one (31) countries in close corporation that would be
visiting Germany. International Corporation will mean 500 police from foreign
states to assist Germany. There are 400 public viewing areas organised for
non-ticket holders.
Foreign affairs – members of eleven countries would need visas, players
and those accompanying will get visas easy. Ticket holders will organise visas
on normal procedure with embassies in their countries. A concept is also
developed with the Ministry of Interior on issuing of visas and procedures for
meeting guests has been agreed upon. Foreign office will be responsible for
meeting high-ranking guests. Organisational committee is not part of Federal
Government but have good relations. Tickets are limited and are purchased
through the Internet, which is deemed a fair practice. Anticipated challenge is
traffic as flights and buses cannot be projected.
FIFA has exclusive sponsors that will be advertising in the stadium and
those complaining might have not understood or read the contract. Confederation
Cup was the initial preparation for the team. National association requested
Premier League to find youth clubs and has worked out well. National Football
Association will reap good harvest out of the event.
7.3 Meeting with Mr Palme – Frankfurt
national Coordinating Committee member
Mr Palme has been responsible for general project management and the
country started bidding in 1973. In 1997 on 1 October, a meeting of 24
potential host cities took place in Frankfurt. Local Organising Committee’s
philosophy is “A time to make friends”. The approximate vat out of ticketing is
estimated at Î30m. All pitches will be
renewed by mid May to prepare the turfs for the stadium. There is also an
amount of Î30m from the Federal
Government for Arts and Culture Programmes. Overall budget for organising
committee is Î430m from ticketing and
contributions and from FIFA and national suppliers are Î170m.
The main challenge is to focus on the key tasks, which are fulfilment of
contractual commitments; creation of a special atmosphere or international
presentation of a country; budget planning, which is very difficult to project
and to reach economic targets. Matches are evenly spread all over Germany.
8.
Conclusion
The delegation viewed the visit as an eye opening experience. As the
delegation learnt from France visit that FIFA constantly changes regulations,
the visit to German would put South Africa in a better position even in
rectifying the mistakes done by Germany by not visiting Korea-Japan. The
delegation appreciates the honesty and enthusiasm of the Germans in sharing crucial
information that is going to enhance the preparedness of the different
departments.
Some of the issues that the delegation made evaluation of the trip on is
the coverage of the game by big screens for poor communities and those who
cannot afford tickets are important. The importance of having public viewing
area where access is easy and transport is available to all should be taken
into cognisance by the host cities. Preparations for the World Cup should be
communicated through all the people of the country including disadvantaged
communities for buy-in and ownership of the event. The event would focus mainly
on showcasing the country and bringing the country together. Constant change of
regulations by FIFA for the hosting country is a concern. And the host cities
should clearly understand the contracts between them and FIFA.
9.
Recommendations