Brazil senators want to talk to Blatter over World Cup

AP/SI, 04/02/2012

Brazil’s senate will make another invitation to FIFA president Sepp Blatter to visit the country to discuss passage of a vital World Cup bill after he initially asked secretary general Jerome Valcke to go instead.

The senate wants Blatter to speak to a congressional commission which is debating a contentious bill that gives FIFA the needed guarantees to organize the World Cup. Among the issues in the bill is changing the law to allow alcohol sales in stadiums.

The commission was scheduled to meet next week, but the senate’s press office said Monday the date is likely to be postponed.

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Soccer-Brazil puts off World Cup law again, vexes FIFA

Andrew Downie – Reuters, 03/21/2012

Brazil’s Congress postponed a key World Cup bill again on Wednesday, a move that is likely to frustrate officials of football’s governing body who say its passage is crucial to preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

The bill, which has been years in the making, provides a legislative framework for the organization of the FIFA World Cup and its curtain raiser, the 2013 Confederations.

It was to have gone before Congress on Wednesday but the ruling party coalition delayed the debate, saying a postponement was preferable to a defeat.

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Brazilian consumer rights group protests against 2014 World Cup bill

AP/Washington Post, 02/28/2012

One of Brazil’s top consumer rights groups opposes a World Cup bill that FIFA and local organizers say is crucial in preparing for the 2014 tournament.

The Brazilian Institute of Consumer Rights is urging citizens to demand on social media that congressmen vote against the bill. The group contends the bill would give FIFA too much power and few responsibilities.

The proposed law would put in place the final commitments made by Brazil’s federal government when it bid to host the World Cup. Those include ticket sales, broadcast rights and trademark infringement.

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Fifa tension as Brazil debates World Cup law

Daniel Gallas – BBC News, 02/16/2012

On track? Fifa has expressed concern about the pace of preparations.

Sunday afternoon and all is set for the big football derby match in Brazil.

Whether it is a “classic” between Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo and Fluminense, Sao Paulo rivals Corinthians and Palmeiras, or Gremio pitted against Internacional in Porto Alegre, match day routine for fans is pretty much the same.

Drinks and a meal before kick-off; post-match celebration or grieving in a bar.

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