Stung by criticism over World Cup plans, Brazil cuts ties with Valcke
Source: Agencies |
March 4, 2012, Sunday
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BRAZIL'S sports minister has criticized "unacceptable" comments by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke over the country's preparations for the 2014 World Cup and said the government does not want to deal with him anymore.
Aldo Rebelo said in Sao Paulo yesterday that Valcke's comments were inappropriate and he wants FIFA to assign someone else to work with the government in matters related to the 2013 Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
Valcke said in England on Friday he had serious concerns about Brazil's preparations and that the country appeared more concerned about winning the tournament than making it ready for fans.
Valcke said that "things are not working in Brazil" and that "not a lot is moving" with just two years left before the tournament. Valcke sent a blunt message to Brazil: "You have to push yourself, kick your (backside) and just deliver this World Cup."
Rebelo said he understands Valcke will keep his duties as FIFA's secretary general and will continue to work closely with local organizers, but from now on the Brazilian government will not welcome him when he comes to the country.
He said Valcke's comments contradict FIFA's own evaluation of the country's preparations after a visit in January.
"The secretary general made an evaluation that does not correspond to the facts or the reality," Rebelo said.
Soccer's ruling body is particularly concerned about transport and accommodation issues and the sluggish movement through Brazilian bureaucracy of World Cup laws relating to the sale of alcohol is also worrying FIFA.
Valcke insisted the tournament would go ahead but warned the fans could suffer.
"There are not enough hotels," he added.
"You have more than enough in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro but if you think about Manaus you need more."
Aldo Rebelo said in Sao Paulo yesterday that Valcke's comments were inappropriate and he wants FIFA to assign someone else to work with the government in matters related to the 2013 Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
Valcke said in England on Friday he had serious concerns about Brazil's preparations and that the country appeared more concerned about winning the tournament than making it ready for fans.
Valcke said that "things are not working in Brazil" and that "not a lot is moving" with just two years left before the tournament. Valcke sent a blunt message to Brazil: "You have to push yourself, kick your (backside) and just deliver this World Cup."
Rebelo said he understands Valcke will keep his duties as FIFA's secretary general and will continue to work closely with local organizers, but from now on the Brazilian government will not welcome him when he comes to the country.
He said Valcke's comments contradict FIFA's own evaluation of the country's preparations after a visit in January.
"The secretary general made an evaluation that does not correspond to the facts or the reality," Rebelo said.
Soccer's ruling body is particularly concerned about transport and accommodation issues and the sluggish movement through Brazilian bureaucracy of World Cup laws relating to the sale of alcohol is also worrying FIFA.
Valcke insisted the tournament would go ahead but warned the fans could suffer.
"There are not enough hotels," he added.
"You have more than enough in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro but if you think about Manaus you need more."
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