Brazil 2014 World Cup law still not given official go-ahead

By Andrew Warshaw

February 29 – The sale of alcohol at the 2014 World Cup remains a major sticking point after Brazilian officials failed to make a definitive ruling on the issue.

The so-called World Cup law that has caused so much tension between organisers and FIFA was partially approved last night but, crucially, Congressmen remained divided on whether to allow alcohol to be sold at games during the month-long tournament, an issue recently described as “non negotiable” by FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke.

With Budweiser a major sponsor, FIFA insists it must protect its commercial backers even though alcohol has been outlawed in stadiums in Brazil for years in order to cut down on fan violence.

The issue will be voted on separately today, along with other changes which have been generating controversy.

Recommendations approved on Tuesday include cheaper tickets for the elderly and students, again enshrined in Brazilian law and conceded by FIFA.

FIFA is keen for the proposed bill to be implemented by the end of March, giving them the necessary guarantees to organise the World Cup, the first in Brazil since 1950.

But critics say football’s world governing body are wielding too much power.

Even if finally approved, the bill will still have to be ratified by the lower house and then by the senate.

President Dilma Rousseff also has to sign it before it takes effect.

“If the Commission approves this, we will take our fight to the [Lower House and the Senate], this is a mistake,” said opposition Congressman Vanderlei Macris (pictured).

The law would be in effect only during the 2013 Confederations Cup and the World Cup, and would allow only the sale of beer in plastic cups.

Only those in the VIP areas would be allowed to consume other types of alcohol.

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