Brazil threatens to cut ties with FIFA's Valcke after latest comments cause fury

By Andrew Warshaw in Bagshot

March 3 – The war of words between FIFA and Brazil over the 2014 World Cup appeared to reach breaking point today as both sides continued to exchange barbs over the perceived lack of progress in preparations.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke had claimed that Brazilian organisers needed a kick up the backside – a comment that led to the country’s Government saying they no longer wanted to deal with him.

Brazil’s Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo (pictured) said that Valcke’s comments were “unacceptable” and inaccurate.

Rebelo said it was time to cut ties with Valcke and that he would make this known directly to FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

”We need a representative who has the ability to understand the level of responsibilities required for this type of relationship,” he said.

“The Government can no longer have the secretary general as a representative.”

Valcke hit back just as forcefully.

Addressing reporters after today’s International Football Association Board meeting here in England, Valcke retorted: “If the result is they don’t want to talk to me any more, I’m not the guy they want to work with, that’s a bit puerile.”

Valcke has continuously taken the Brazilian organisers to task for dragging their feet and continued on that theme.

“The fact is the World Cup bill should have been passed in 2007 when Brazil got the World Cup,” he said.

“We [at FIFA] have compromised over a number of things.

“But there are some guarantees that are key.

“There is no way we cannot receive guarantees on security, for instance.”

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