European Soccer Body Bans Vuvuzela Horns at All Regional Soccer Matches
June 17 (Bloomberg) -- Bloomberg's Matt Teale reports from Johannesburg on the Vuvuzela, the foot-long trumpets that are creating the buzz at the World Cup in South Africa. The drone of the vuvuzelas has become part of the experience of Africa’s first World Cup. Fans blow them throughout matches, drowning out the referee’s whistle, the players’ attempts to communicate and stadium announcements. Hearing aid maker Phonak AG estimates the noise reaches 127 decibels, louder than a chainsaw. (Source: Bloomberg)
European soccer’s ruling body has banned vuvuzela horns at all of its club and international competitions.
The South African instrument was popular with many fans attending this summer’s World Cup, though criticized by media and television audiences worldwide for the droning hum it produced during the matches. UEFA said the plastic horn wasn’t a European game tradition and would change the atmosphere at matches.
“The World Cup was characterized by the vuvuzela’s widespread and permanent use in the stands,” UEFA said in a statement on its website. “In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavor and folklore, but UEFA feels that the instrument’s widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe, where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasized.”
Qualifying for the 2012 European Championships, which begins tomorrow night, the Champions League and Europa League are among the competitions at which the horn will be banned.
To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.
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