FIFA Executive Committee step in to save Brazil 2014 World Cup

By Andrew Warshaw

March 29 – In an unprecedented move, FIFA has put its entire Executive Committee on its own organising body for the 2014 World Cup amid growing concern about Brazil’s ability – or lack of it – to stage the event.

FIFA said Danny Jordaan (pictured left), the man who led the tournament in South Africa two years ago, and Alexey Sorokin, head of Russia 2018, would also be involved in what smacked as an emergency measure to offset constant delays in vital preparations.

“To underline the significance of the FIFA World Cup for world football’s governing body, the complete FIFA Executive Committee is now, for the first time, part of this decision making forum which is responsible for monitoring and organising each edition of FIFA’s flagship event,” FIFA said in a statement.

As well as problems with stadiums, airports, transport and hotels, FIFA has also become exasperated with delays over the so-called World Cup bill that would temporarily override national legislation in order to provide the guarantees FIFA needs.

Significantly, FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke (pictured right), who infuriated Brazil by saying local organisers needed “a kick up the backside”, took part in the World Cup Organising Committee in Zurich at which the latest move was made.

Also attending were the new President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Brazil 2014, José Maria Marin (pictured centre with South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Nicolás Leoz and FIFA President Sepp Blatter), and South America’s new FIFA Executive Committee member Marco Polo Del Nero.

Speaking to SuperSport.com, Jordaan said he was positive Brazil would eventually manage to overcome current problems.

“We are going to work closely with Brazil,” he said.

“The Executive Committee clearly identified that the World Cup is the most important event in the life of FIFA as it secures almost 90 per cent of FIFA’s total revenue.

“This World Cup has to be a success.”

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