Despite Africa's evident progress from the dark colonialism period, the continent has largely remained on the periphery of global affairs. The 'Dark Continent' tag has lingered for centuries, and despite shifting paradigms, Africa has played a supporting cast despite its vast resources and being home to the world's youngest population. From limited seats at the top of decision-making bodies like the United Nations, Africa has been left to play second fiddle, which has extended to sport's field of play. For instance, it took Africa 80 years to host its first ever World Cup despite the continent being home to 54 of FIFA's 210 members. With the rotation policy abolished, the World Cup might not be coming to Africa anytime soon, after the 54 nations got their share through the hosting of the event in South Africa in 2010.
FIFA officially abolished its continental rotation policy for hosting the World Cup in October 2007, effective from the 2018 bidding process. There have been no Olympic Games staged on the continent despite the first recorded Olympic Games being held in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece. It has been almost a century since Canada hosted the first Commonwealth Games, but Africa has remained a participant, and not the organiser of the competition. The continent has struggled to host major sporting events, with African countries' organisational capabilities often brought into question.
