Brazil Government Backs Down over FIFA Control

The row that threatened to derail the Brazil World Cup in 2014 has been resolved.

Previously, the Brazilian parliament had refused to pass the necessary legislation that would alter domestic law to suit FIFA’s requirements.

The Lower House has now passed such a bill which has been sent to Brazil’s Upper House.

Issues like the sale of alcohol at grounds had stalled negotiations.

In Brazil, alcohol is not for sale inside the stadium, but FIFA wanted that to change to sign lucrative contracts with suppliers.

According to Sports Illustrated:

‘The approved legislation doesn’t specifically authorize alcohol sales, but the government says other articles in the legislation mean it can meet FIFA’s requirement. Opposition lawmakers tried to veto the sale of alcohol at venues but were defeated.

Without the text specifically authorizing the sale of alcohol, FIFA theoretically will have to negotiate with a few states, although the government has said such deals likely will not be difficult to achieve.’

The debate in Brazil echoes one in London about the power the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has over the London Olympics. One commenter on the BBC website compared the arrival of the Olympics to an invasion.

Author Ian Sinclair said:

“The only water you are allowed to buy is [sold by]Coca-Cola. The only food you are allowed to buy is McDonald’s. The access to the site is through the Westfield shopping mall… It is like an invasion.”

Respected veteran journalist and Times columnist Libby Purves added:

“There is something humiliating about the way Britain has surrendered to the IOC. There’s an awful sense of being a conquered nation. The IOC really call all the shots.”

As do FIFA for the World Cup, as Brazil’s lower house can not testify.

Related:

FIFA Defends the Right to Beer

Romario Stands up to FIFA