By Samindra Kunti
December 21 – FIFA is suspending further transfers from a World Cup legacy fund to Brazil pending further talks with the Brazilian federation, the CBF. Brazil has only received $8.7 million from the fund 17 months after the most profitable World Cup in history.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was a huge success as the world’s favorite game returned to its spiritual home: some remarkable football was on display, far removed from the cagey affair in 2010, and FIFA grossed $5 billion in revenue from the month-long football festival.
Before the tournament FIFA had promised to set up a World Cup legacy fund amid nationwide protests to help develop Brazilian football. The hosts have so far received $8.7 million from the $100 million fund, equalling 0.2% of the total revenue. FIFA has decided to halt further Brazil-bound transfers until the CBF meets additional requirements for reports and audits, according to Brazilian newspaper Estadao.
The CBF’s communications department confirmed the freezing of the fund.
During the World Cup, a training complex was inaugurated in Belem, but more than 1.5 years later other projects have made only marginal progress. The CBF is still intent on acquiring land in Alagoas, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Maranhão, Paraíba, Roraima and Santa Catarina to build other centers.
The embattled organisation also confirmed that it is holding seminars on women’s football with representatives of the 27 states, women’s clubs, former players and stakeholders. Brazil is targeting the Olympic gold medal at the Rio 2016’s women’s football tournament, but wants to strengthen its domestic women’s football.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1731824609labto1731824609ofdlr1731824609owedi1731824609sni@n1731824609osloh1731824609cin.l1731824609uap1731824609