FIFA Brass Wrap Brazil Inspection Trip

Rio Violence Not a Threat

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke downplayed recent violence in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro as a threat to the upcoming World Cup.

The city was the scene of violent outbursts earlier this week when a dancer was found dead with his friends and family blaming the killing on the police.

"It is a tragic episode which causes sadness, but it is not sufficient to say the Cup is at risk," said Valcke, according to AFP.

"I have received several messages asking me if there is a civil war in Brazil, and I have replied no."

Rio is scheduled to host seven matches during the World Cup, including the final on July 13.

World Cup Cities Must Host Fanfests

Valcke also says that each of the 12 World Cup cities must organize their own fanfests.

The comments come in the wake of comments out of Recife, a city in northeastern Brazil, that indicate there is still uncertainty over whether a fanfest will be staged there due to unwillingness to invest public funds and a lack of sponsorship.

"The cities who have not yet committed to have their own fanfest, it’s a mistake, and they have to do it. There is no choice," Valcke told the AP.

Valcke said the fanfests are a requirement from FIFA, which has said though it will not finance them entirely, it is willing to help reduce costs.

"It’s not something we are asking for. It has to be done. And I hope that the cities who are not yet on the way to finalize their fanfest, they are just listening to what I’m saying."

Written by Nick Devlin

Homepage photo: Getty Images

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