South African police chief praying for a U.S. World Cup loss

If you were in Washington D.C. a few weeks ago you might have noticed the enormous security measures taken for the 46 world leaders who convened for the Nuclear Summit. A huge portion of the city was closed, sidewalks were lined with D.C. police, and streets were regularly blocked off for passing twenty-car motorcades.

South Africa will be in a similar position with the start of the World Cup next month, with 43 leaders already having confirmed their attendance. Turns out though, 43 leaders isn’t seen a big problem — rather, it’s the potential of a 44th visitor that has South Africa’s police department sweating. And, surprisingly, he happens to be the 44th president of the United States.

Speaking before a cabinet meeting on World Cup security, South Africa’s police chief, General Bheki Cele, estimates that a visit by the U.S. president, and the subsequent crowds that would clamor to see him, would double the scale of the security requirements, saying, "that 43 will be equal to this one operation." It would be such a headache that the police chief is "praying" that the U.S. is eliminated after the first stage because of rumors that Obama might visit if the U.S. national team makes it any further.

Here’s hoping his prayers aren’t heard.