World Cup fans suffer blow over prostitutes

Frank Praverman

Bad news for all football supporters looking to stay in Swaziland when their neighbours South Africa host the World Cup in a couple of years' time: police have banned the use of prostitutes.

Apparently, a 19th century law prohibits the sex trade being plied there and Swazi officials are determined to enforce it.

"Unless the law is amended, the police will follow it to the letter," Vusi Masuku, a police spokesman, said.

There is a ray of red light on the horizon, though. Bongani Dlamini, a spokesman for the local organising committee, insists he may still have a, ahem, trick up his sleeve.

"During the 2010 World Cup tournament, we are expecting tourists from all walks of life," he said. "After we have taken a decision on prostitution, we will then make a statement or even advise the tourists accordingly.

"For example, when a tourist who needs the services of a sex worker arrives and finds that prostitution is prohibited, we will advise him accordingly that he has to propose for love to a Swazi girl first and then consent for sex." 

Seems as though the tournament may go off with a bang after all.