Preparations and relationships between the organisers and FIFA officials at a strain to put it mildly ....
Quote:
Football's world governing body Fifa has expressed concern about Brazil's preparations for the 2014 World Cup. The construction of stadiums, transport infrastructure and hotels for fans is behind schedule, said Fifa's general secretary Jerome Valcke.
He added that Brazil appeared to be more concerned with winning the World Cup than organising it.
Mr Valcke said there was no "Plan B" for an alternative venue, but warned that fans could suffer.
"I don't understand why things are not moving," he told reporters during a visit to London.
"The concern is that nothing is made or prepared to receive so many people, because the world wants to go to Brazil. I am sorry to say but things are not working in Brazil," he said.
He added that organisers needed to give themselves "a kick up the backside" to get things ready on time.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17240641
The Brazilian response ... eff off!
Quote:
Brazil says it will no longer deal with the secretary-general of football's world governing body, Fifa, following his "unacceptable" comments about preparations for the 2014 World Cup. Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo insisted Fifa appoint someone else to work with Brazil on the competition.
Jerome Valcke had said Brazil needed a "kick up the backside".
He said the country appeared to be more concerned with winning the World Cup than organising it.
Mr Valcke responded to the sports minister's snub by calling the move "puerile".
'Not working' Mr Rebelo branded Mr Valcke's comments inappropriate and said Brazil would no longer welcome him to the country.
"In light of these statements, which are inadequate and unacceptable comments for any type of relationship, the Brazilian government is going to send a letter to Blatter telling him it no longer accepts Secretary-General Valcke as an interlocutor," Mr Rebelo said.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17246171
Regardless of the facilities I think this will be one of the best world cups since Italia 90.