FIFA Confident Brazilian Authorities will Handle Confederations Semi Final Protests

FIFA have said they are confident the authorities in Brazil will ensure security for tonight’s Confederations Cup semi-final between Brazil and Uruguay in Belo Horizonte.

It is estimated that 100, herbal 000 people will join the protests demanding greater public services and to criticise the cost of the World Cup.

Local authorities in Belo Horizonte have declared a holiday which will increase the number of protestors and put added pressure on the police force.

A FIFA spokesman said: “We are in permanent contact with the local authorities and have total confidence in the security measures implemented.

“We will monitor the situation closely but at no time has FIFA, the Local Organising Committee or the Federal government either discussed or considered cancelling the Confederations Cup.”

Although there were no major protests in the city on Tuesday, groups did close three main roads to demonstrate against public officials and confrontations are expected ahead of the match.

Security has been increased around the area, but FIFA insisted this is because of the protests and not because FIFA President Sepp Blatter will attend the game.