FIFA medical committee chairman, Michael D’Hooghe, told the press this past Sunday that one of his big concerns going into the 2010 World Cup is the possible use of traditional African medicine by players. Apparently this is of great concern because some of these medicines, which are extracted from local plants, may contain untraceable levels of stimulants and may result in an unfair advantage.

I am a bit amused by this stance on the part of the Mr. D’Hooghe.  After all, I don’t recall the FIFA medical committee making such a fuss over the local health methods used in past host countries.  Could you imagine such a statement when the games were held in Germany or Japan/ Korea or the U.S.?  Funny how countries that have seen their fair share of scandal concerning athletes use of performance enhancing drugs (scientifically engineered drugs at that) , don’t hear much from FIFA concerning the subject.

Why then should FIFA make a fuss in South Africa?  Surely FIFA can conduct their research and assess the level of concern these practices warrant without overtly implying that there is some inherent advantage to African players.  FIFA should remember that one of the great aspects of bringing the game to Africa is to help bridge the cultural divide, not widen it.  Just because traditional medicinal practices may be foreign doesn’t mean that they should assume that these practices are being used to help African players break rules and circumvent drug testing.

Seriously, if FIFA is looking for something to do, there are many pressing issues to focus on.  The integrity of the games can be improved with the use of video technology or additional referees.  Rules already in place can be enforced to reduce diving.  More teams from around the globe can be given an opportunity to play in the World cup  by reducing the unfair allotment of qualification spaces given to the European teams (13).  The list of pressing issues is long.  However, traditional African medicine is way down the list.  Then again what do I know.

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