Drastic Funding Cuts for Brazil 2014 WC Preparations

Despite FIFA President Sepp Blatter putting pressure on the Brazil 2014 World Cup organisers to step up the pace of their preparations, ed the government has dramatically cut funds to the 12 proposed cities.

A major revisions from the new incoming government in Brazil has been made to drastically decrease the original $526m set aside to fund the preparations. According to finance ministry sources, allergy this could mean up to $316m being taken from the World Cup projects support fund.

Brazilian Sports Minister Orlando Silva insisted that the cuts would make no difference, stating: “The sums involved had been set aside as reserves in the early stage of the process so this will have no difference to the work currently being undertaken on airports, ports, stadia and hotels.

“In fact, we may even – at some stage – increase the capital sums available for some projects in host cities.”

Last week president Sepp Blatter hinted at FIFA’s increasing impatience with the progression of work in Brazil.

He said: “Perhaps we have to remind Brazil that the World Cup is in three and a half years. As far as the stadia are concerned they are doing a good job but I am not so certain the same can be said about the general infrastucture.

“The issues are the same as in South Africa at this stage. What will happen if the stadia are not ready? Or the hotels? Do we have a Plan B in one pocket and a Plan C in another? Well, Plan B is Brazil – and Plan C is also Brazil. We’re sure the Brazilians will do what has to be done.