FIFA's Jérôme Valcke resumes Brazil 2014 role after Bagshot blunder

By Andrew Warshaw

March 20 – FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke (pictured) has been given a crucial lifeline after being cleared to carry on running the organisation’s 2014 World Cup programme.

Valcke’s role had been in serious doubt after his notorious “kick up the backside” comments that infuriated the Brazilian Government and Brazil 2014, but it was prompted by genuine concerns over interminable delays in preparations.

Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo had labelled Valcke’s remarks as “unacceptable, offensive and inappropriate” and said his Government wanted to cut ties with the Frenchman.

Valcke’s latest inspection visit to Brazil was postponed until after FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s clear-the-air summit with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff last Friday (March 16).

Blatter said the matter would be dealt with internally implying Valcke could be reprimanded.

That may well have happened privately but Blatter has now issued a statement backing his number two.

“There is no problem between the FIFA President and the FIFA secretary general,” Blatter said.

“Jérôme Valcke is in charge of all of his activities as secretary general, including the preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.”

Despite Blatter’s apparent support, there was no immediate word as to exactly when Valcke would return to Brazil, or any reaction from the Brazilian authorities.

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