Valcke makes humiliating backtrack after slamming Brazil's World Cup preparations

By Andrew Warshaw

March 6 – FIFA general secretary Jérôme Valcke (pictured) has been forced into a humiliating climb-down after suggesting Brazil needed a “kick up the backside” over its lack of World Cup preparations.

Valcke, whose off-the-cuff remarks were flashed around the world, has written to Brazil’s Sports Ministry apologising for any offence.

Valcke had also suggested that Brazil were more interested in winning the World Cup than organising it, comments that led to Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo warning the country would not deal with the Frenchman whose remarks, he said, were “unacceptable”.

Valcke has persistently expressed his frustration at delays in approving an agreement setting out the legal framework for the World Cup.

The 2014 World Cup is the first in Brazil since 1950 and the so-called World Cup bill – currently being considered by the Brazilian Congress – has only partially been approved, with the lifting on alcohol sales still a thorny sticking point.

In a statement addressed to Brazil’s Sports Minister, Valcke said his comments translated from French to Portuguese came out much stronger than they were supposed to.

But that, in itself, is interesting since he originally made them in English on the eve of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in Surrey, England.

The apology came after Brazil delivered a letter signed by Rebelo and sent directly to FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

“The form and content of [Valcke’s] remarks go beyond acceptable standards of harmonious coexistence between a sovereign state like Brazil and a centenary international organisation like FIFA,” the letter said.

“Faced with this fact, the Brazilian Government can no longer accept Mr Jérôme Valcke as an interlocutor in its dealings with FIFA during preparations for this World Cup.”

Valcke’s embarrassing backtrack, most likely at the request of Blatter, was immediate.

“I lament profoundly that the incorrect interpretation of my words caused so much worry,” Valcke said in his statement released by the Brazilian Government.

“I would like to apologise to [Rebelo] and any other person who might have been offended with my words.”

The Sports Ministry said it would not immediately comment on Valcke’s apology because it was received after Rebelo’s (pictured) letter was delivered to FIFA.

But Valcke also said in his letter that “certainly” there was a sense “of concern within FIFA” regarding the World Cup.

“As the person ultimately responsible for this World Cup, I’m under a lot of pressure,” Valcke said.

“The World Cup is key to our entire system.

“I’m confident that there isn’t a problem which can’t be overcome with efforts by FIFA, the local organising committee and the Brazilian authorities.”

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