Valcke says Brazil 2014 security will make it safe for fans

By Andrew Warshaw
October 28 – FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, who has been acting as the organisation’s main trouble-shooter for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, says fans should not be put off from attending by the latest outbreak of violence in the country.
The social unrest that has marred Brazilian society turned ugly on Saturday, when four fans were shot before a second division match where supporters of America RN and Ceara clashed just outside the World Cup host city of Natal.

Police had to intervene with pepper spray and tear gas and in another incident, Brazilian league leader Cruzeiro were ordered last week to play one home match away from its stadium in Belo Horizonte, which is also being used during next summer’s tournament.

Valcke is doing his level best to downplay concerns even though he acknowledges the issues at stake. “It’s a fact and it’s happening in Brazil,” he told reporters in London. “But these kinds of things will not happen at the World Cup. It’s a huge country. Football is a passion and you cannot control everything. What I can say, when it’s about the World Cup is that we will have the highest level of security you can imagine.”

“We are working hard …. to make sure that the World Cup will be a great tournament and it will be a great tournament. We are focusing on the final draw and we are sure that the 12 stadiums will be ready. We are working on the quality of the pitches.