Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium could be ‘white elephant’ after World Cup as local team is sold

PE Stadium could be ‘white elephant’ after WCup

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium could become a “white elephant” when the World Cup ends after Port Elizabeth’s bankrupt soccer club was sold to investors from outside the city.

Current team owner Sipho Pityana said Monday the new buyers could move the team.

Bay United Football Club general manager Lungsi Mooi told The Associated Press that about 30 players and 10 staff could lose their jobs if the Premier Soccer League first division team moves outside the area.

She says the stadium would then not have a full-time tenant and that it could become a “white elephant.”

The 42,486-seat stadium was built especially for the World Cup and cost $159 million.