The Political Ramifications of Hosting Mega Sporting Events: A Case Study of the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Abstract

The political ramifications of hosting mega sporting events are often overlooked during the study of these spectacles. This holds true for the study of these events in less developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to address the lack of literature on this topic in hopes that it will spark continued research. This thesis is primarily composed of two case studies of mega sporting events – the Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Although it may not seem it on the surface, these two events were very similar in terms of context and their government’s goals for the games. The case studies yield significant findings pertaining to the effects of hosting these events. These inevitable effects include: large investment in infrastructure upgrades, negatively impacting low income individuals, increased international prestige in the short run, and the manifestation of any preexisting social rifts. The impacts of the events directly affect the host government. Ultimately, the event is deemed a success or failure and the benefits of hosting it are maintained if, and only if, the government of the host nation is able to deal with unforeseen adversity in a proper manner.