Brazilian Prosecutors Suing FIFA for Public Funds Reimbursement

October 24, 2013

Brazilian prosecutors are suing FIFA for the reimbursement of public funds spent on temporary stadium structures to be used during next year’s World Cup.

Prosecutors’ offices in five states has said in statements that they are seeking a total of $106 million in reimbursements. They argue that the structures are exclusively for the benefit of FIFA’s sponsors, broadcasting services and guests, and as the structures do not serve the public interest, Brazilian taxpayers should not have to pay for them.

A FIFA statement said the payment for the “complementary structures” is the contractual responsibility of those who own the stadium, and not FIFA.

The federal prosecutor’s office has said that it was requesting an injunction to prevent public funds being used to pay for the temporary structures and broadcasting costs at all stadiums used for the World Cup.

The prosecutor’s believe the money would be spent on fences, walkways, lighting, temporary seats and other items “that will not leave any benefits for society and will be dismounted after the Cup.”

Brazil is building or renovating 12 stadiums for the tournament next summer, at an estimated cost of $3.5 billion. Anger over the cost of hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics was a large factor in the protests throught Brazil this year. Protesters say the money would be better invested in facilities such as hospitals, schools and public transport.