EU OFFICIAL SOFTENS STANCE ON VISA REGULATIONS FOR WC

Citing fears of enforced prostitution abuse during the World Cup, European Union (EU) Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini proposed that the EU require visas for travelers from certain countries. But after facing criticism, Frattini and the EC has dropped the plan, according to Reuters.

Frattini apologised if his comments were “misunderstood”, and said: “All the so-called 'at risk' countries, according to the statistics, are already covered by the visa requirements.”

The at-risk countries that Frattini originally targeted included countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. However, Germany’s large Socialist party opposed his alleged plans that visas would only be mandatory for women, a claim that Frattini disputes. Instead, Frattini said he would recommend increased controls at consulates and borders for the World Cup.

Expecting millions of visitors for the tournament, new brothels are being built in host cities, a practice criticised by Anna Zaborska, chair of the parliament's women's rights committee.

“Let's refuse this permissiveness, this decadence,” Zaborska said.

There are approximately 400,000 sex workers in Germany, where prostitution is legal. But there are thousands of women who are forced into the industry by gangs.