London, 2 June 2006 – As the biggest event of the football calendar looms, bringing together 32 teams and fans from six continents, Aon analyses the risks facing players, supporters and businesses across Europe in one special report. Whether it is injury, hooliganism, terrorism or leadership failure, a raft of factors could potentially threaten the success of the World Cup.

The first XI World Cup Risks include the following:

• No insurance cover for injured players: Whilst some football associations have insurance cover for those individuals playing for their country, many associations cant afford it leaving an injured players club to pick up the bill should the worst happen.
• Terrorism vulnerability: While this threat is a reality for the World Cup the games and venues will be protected by some of the tightest security measures ever devised. Aons crisis management team warns that soft, periphery targets such as hotels and transport networks may be more at risk than the stadia themselves.
• Absenteeism: Aon advises businesses that the World Cup doesnt have to result in reduced productivity and absenteeism from the workplace. Employees should adopt special flexible working time, unpaid leave or shift swaps to resolve the issue.
• Corporate sponsorship/brand reputation threats: Companies face a host of risks when sponsoring players and much can happen during a passion-fuelled tournament like the World Cup.
• Leadership conundrum: Effective leadership is critical to team success but who is responsible for success or defeat? And what parallels can be drawn with the corporate world?
• Event cancellation: Is cancellation likely to be caused by pandemic influenza or terrorist attack? Aon believes any interruption is more likely to be caused by traditional risks like flood, fire or power failure.

Dennis Mahoney, chairman and chief executive officer of Aon UK commented: “The World Cup is a sporting event which is eagerly anticipated by fans and supporters around the world. Risks multiply in scenarios like this where so much is at stake.  Intricate planning and preparation started years in advance will help to minimise the chances of disruption at the tournament. Meanwhile businesses need to think creatively about how they manage employees during the tournament to maintain productivity and morale.”  

Copies of Aon’s First XI Risks of the 2006 World Cup’ are available from Sally Taylor.

Notes to Editors

About Aon

Aon Corporation  is a leading provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting. There are 46,000 employees working in Aon's 500 offices in more than 120 countries. Backed by broad resources, industry knowledge and technical expertise, Aon professionals help a wide range of clients develop effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions.

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