By Andrew Warshaw
August 4 – FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has admitted there were “challenges and deficiencies” for his organisation at this summer’s Confederations Cup, marred by nationwide street protests, but insists that any mistakes made at the World Cup warm-up tournament helped concentrate the mind on how to prepare for the real thing next year.
In his latest monthly column for FIFA’s website, Valcke praised the passion and atmosphere of the event but conceded that after years of planning, it was “the first true test for us organisers.”
“Everyone involved has testified that the tournament operated successfully and the teams – according to the feedback received – felt very much at home in Brazil,” wrote Valcke.
“For sure there were a few challenges and deficiencies. That is why this event is so important. We were delighted they happened now so we can work on improving these areas for 2014.
“You cannot expect everything to run perfectly in brand new stadia. That is where we will concentrate our efforts, as we seek to ensure the FIFA World Cup will be a roaring success for the teams, the fans and, most importantly, for the host nation.”
Although the street demonstrations were primarily against the lack of investment in much-needed public services, the cost of staging the World Cup was always in the background. Rather than focus on the protests, Valcke said the emphasis now will be to make sure the 12 stadiums are tested properly and are ready on time.
“Immediately after the FIFA Confederations Cup everyone involved started to sit down and assess what we have learned, and we are set to strengthen any weak links over the next few months,” he wrote.
“And the process is on-going with a detailed workshop including all twelve host cities at the beginning of August, something which, as of now, will become a monthly forum of exchange and co-ordination between the LOC, FIFA, the host cities and the federal government. Alongside these forums FIFA will, in conjunction with the host country stakeholders, stage three training seminars for operators on sustainable management of stadiums beyond 2014. The first will already take place in Curitiba in mid-August.”
“For us organisers a key focus is now on the 12 stadia, with a tighter monitoring naturally on the six arenas still under construction. Events and matches staged at each venue – be it regular Brazilian league matches or other events – are crucial in order to test the facilities, including public transport as well as training of stewards and volunteers during real events.”
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