PT Governor Says that Accepting the FIFA Model Was a "Problem"

03/27/2014 - 09h07

The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Tarso Genro of PT (Labor Party), stated that organizing the World Cup under the conditions required by FIFA was a "problem".

The statement was made yesterday during a debate with Rio Grande do Sul government activists who oppose the use of public money in the tournament.

"We learned of the invasion to the sovereignty of the country [by Fifa] too late. The decision to take the World Cup under these conditions was a problem".

The event took place at the same time that the Legislature approved a project authored by Genro granting tax exemptions to companies that pay for temporary structures used by the Beira-Rio (stadium) in the World Cup.

According to the governor, the Brazilian people should have been consulted on the possible fulfillment of the World in the country before signing the contract with FIFA.

Genro further stated that he would protest against the organization model of the World Cup if not the governor. He left the event before the end, citing other commitments.

Despite his criticism, Genro was part of the federal government when Brazil was chosen to host the World Cup in 2007. The PT member was the Justice Minister under then President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Last month, before FIFA's ultimatum and International's (the club that owns Beira-Rio) negativity over bearing the US$13 million cost of temporary structures for the stadium, it was the state government that took over most of the investment to keep Porto Alegre as a World Cup host.

The situation presented a draft bill for companies who contribute to the payment of stalls, fences, telecommunication materials and other equipment installed in the solely for the World Cup, receiving exemptions from state taxes.

The other US$2.18 million needed to pay for the temporary structures for Beira-Rio should come out of the coffers of the city of Porto Alegre, deputy mayor Sebastian Melo (PMDB) stated yesterday.

"We can do a TAC [Term of Conduct Adjustment] with the Public Prosecutor [to pay for part of the structures]", Melo said after meeting with the secretary general of FIFA, Jerôme Valcke.

The delay in contracting temporary structures is a major concern for the World Cup organization, with less than three months before the opening match between Brazil and Croatia on June 12.

Besides Beira-Rio, Itaquerão Stadium has also caused headaches for FIFA due to temporary equipment. The reason is the same.

According to Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo, the pending work is resolved. It was not disclosed who is going to pay for the upgrades.

The president's office did not comment on Genro's statements and the Ministry of Sports has not spoken by the close of this edition.

Translated by STEVE HUGHES

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	Caco Argemi-25.mar.2014/Palácio Piratini
	The governor of Rio Grande do Sul stated that organizing the World Cup under the conditions required by FIFA was a "robbery"