40,000 prostitutes heading for the World Cup

A group of Chinese masseurs are led out of a massage parlour in Beijing in a crackdown against vice activities ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

At least 40,000 prostitutes from around the world are making their way to South Africa hoping to make a fortune from soccer fans at the World Cup that kicks off next month.

Authorities have predicted the influx of sex workers to greet atleast 500,000 foreign fans, according to Christian Science Monitor.

Most of them are from South Africa's impoverished neighbouring countries. Not just that, a hotel boss has also revealed that prostitutes have arrived from as far away as China, Venezuela and Pakistan.

Human rights activists warn that many of the women have been trafficked.

They have also urged hotels to shun the sex trade.

In extremely poor parts of Zimbabwe, some women have left their husbands to travel to South Africa.

"Marriages are fast breaking up with women choosing to stay alone in South Africa's hotels and lodges," a villager in southern Zimbabwe tells the Christian Science Monitor.

"But the most unfortunate part, is what are they going to do after the World Cup?"

The event is no stranger to sex trade. The 2006 World Cup in Germany, where brothels and prostitution is legalised, brought on an influx of about 40,000 sex workers and a lot of criticism from rights groups.