The vuvuzela has rapidly become identified as the sound of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Following the opening weekend of the tournament opinion is divided over whether the single note horn adds to the atmosphere or detracts from it by masking the chants and songs that Football fans are renowned for. World Cup organizing chief has added strength to the anti-vuvuzela campaign by stating that he would consider a ban of the controversial instrument.
History of the Vuvuzela Controversy
The vuvuzela is an integral part of an African football supporters match day kit, yet concerns over the deafening drone of the long plastic horns and their compatibility with television broadcasts have been voiced since 2009. The Confederations Cup 2009, the dry run for the FIFA World Cup, first saw the unmistakable sound of African football collide with supporters and broadcasters from around the world. However FIFA overruled complaints at the tournament and declared that the vuvuzela would not be outlawed for the 2010 World Cup.
Complaints about the vuvuzela have since been made by players, managers and commentators alike, who have all criticized the vuvuzela as it hampers communication on and off the field. Advocates of a ban prior to the tournament have ranged from Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso to president of the Japanese Football association Motoaki Inukai, who called for an outright ban following a friendly with South Africa in 2009.
Possible Vuvuzela Ban
In spite of these voices of dissent the vuvuzela has been well received by some and a ban had looked unlikely until the comments made by organizer Danny Jordaan on the World Cup opening weekend following more complaints by top players. France Captain Patrice Evra has criticised the use of the vuvuzela inside and outside of stadiums, complaining that the squad has been woken up at 6 am by the drone of the vuvuzela, and that players have found it difficult to communicate on the pitch.
In response to the comments aimed at the vuvuzela Jordaan told the BBC that he would ban the vuvuzela ‘if there were ground to do so’ Jordaan has reiterated that if any vuvuzelas were thrown on the pitch there would be an automatic and immediate ban.
The idea of a ban has proved as divisive as the vuvuzela itself. South African football fans proclaim that the vuvuzela is South Africa’s 12th man and as part of their footballing heritage should not be banned. However a ban has been supported by many fans from around the world, for whom, the traditional sound of an international football match is the chanting of the crowd and the singing of the national anthem not the constant drone of the vuvuzela, which has been likened to a swarm of mosquitoes or bees.
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