By David Gold
August 17 – Brazilian legend Romario (pictured) has claimed that the 2014 World Cup will only benefit the wealthy, calling ticket prices “absurd”.
Romario is currently a politician after being elected as a socialist party representative of Rio de Janeiro state in 2009 to the Lower House of Brazil’s Congress.
“Ticket prices will be absurd,” he said in an interview with RedeTV.
“Unfortunately the World Cup will not be for the Brazilian people.
“Brazilian people who like football, follow it passionately on a day-to-basis, are mainly from the C, D and E social classes.”
Earlier this year, Romario also criticised the slow pace at which preparations for 2014 have been progressing, suggesting that “only Jesus could save the World Cup”.
The 1994 World Cup winner, who scored 55 goals for Brazil during a glittering career, was also highly critical of Brazilian football chief Ricardo Teixeira (pictured with Pélé).
Teixeira, who had a police inquiry opened up against him earlier this week for alleged embezzlement, is a FIFA Executive Committee member, as well as the Brazilian Football Confederation President (CBF) and the head of the Brazil 2014 Organising Committee, which Romario thinks is an untenable situation.
“Regardless of financial interests, it is not compatible to fill three positions at the same time,” he said.
“We have three years until the World Cup and he has positions in FIFA, the CBF and World Cup.
“It’s bad for his health, he could delegate some things.”
The former Flamengo and Fluminense player also attacked Teixeira for not inviting him to the draw for the 2014 World Cup, which was held last month in Rio, and to which the legendary Pélé was also absent until the Government intervened to give him an invitation.
“What is strange is that I am among the top five players in Brazilian football and a tribute to what I did would be deserved I think,” he said.
“It lacked respect and consideration.”
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