Valcke: There is no Plan B for World Cup

[FIFA] Anyone with the notion that FIFA will pull the 2014 World Cup from Brazil and move it to another country -- like, say the United States -- should think again? FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke quashed that idea on Monday, though he didn't exactly present the situation in Brazil in the most positive light. ''We are definitely not under [siege]," he said. "There is security."

After nine days of group play, the Confederations Cup -- the World Cup dress rehearsal -- broke Monday and Tuesday for the semifinals, which begin on Wednesday. Despite protests in the vicinity of Confederations Cup stadiums, tear gas and rubber bullets hurled by police at demonstrators and attacks on FIFA transport cars, Valcke insisted everything was OK.

''There is no Plan B and, by the way, I have never received any official offer from any other countries around the world to stage the World Cup in 2014,'' he said.

All the demonstrations outside the stadiums overshadowed worries about the readiness of the six World Cup venues used for the Confederations Cup.

''The country has been able to overcome the challenge of providing the infrastructure, logistics and conditions for the matches to be held in the stadia in accordance with the requirements of this cup, in terms of comfort and security,'' Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said. ''And, I believe, everything will operate well for us to reach the final on Sunday with the conditions right for the country to offer to the world the idea that, in 2014, Brazil will be able to hold the World Cup based on the expectations of our country and the world.''
1 comment about "Valcke: There is no Plan B for World Cup".
  1. Horacio Gomes, June 26, 2013 at 10:53 a.m.

    I believe that FIFA is right in making clear that there is no Plan B. Because of the nature of Brazilians to be happy at all times like very few people on Earth, the protests were unexpected. Yet it takes big international events like this one to highlight the frustrations of the people when they see monies going for big stadiums while there's still major social problems to resolve. I believe Brazil will come out better from this experience and politicians -there and here - should never take from granted the needs of the people they represent. As a proud Portuguese, I support my blood brothers and sisters in BRASIL because after all we both have so much in common in terms of heritage and traditions aside from the beautiful language that we both share.

Next story loading loading..
More from Soccer America Daily

Discover Our Publications