Those of you who plan to travel next Summer to the 2014 World Cup might want to think twice as you read about Brazil’s FIFA concerns. As the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil currently goes on 1 year before the World Cup, Protesters are demanding an end to government corruption and demanding better public services while claiming too much money is being spent on the competition, next year’s World Cup and the 2016 Olympics that are costing almost £26billion combined.
Brazilians are not happy with the 2 Million spent on stadiums that FIFA requires, which takes money from social services {schools, hospitals, homes}. The other day during the Confederations Cup 6 of the Spanish National Team players were robbed at the hotel. Another Federation is talking about pulling their team out of the Confederation Cup b/c they are concerned for their family members.
Romário, the hero of Brazil’s 1994 triumph, criticized the role played by soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, which he called “a state inside of the state.” He said that after the Confederations Cup, a test run for next year’s tournament that is now under way, “some things that didn’t work will need to be redone, and some new things for the World Cup will need to be done. And who determines what needs to be done? The true president of Brazil today, named FIFA.” Later in the video statement, he added: “Our country’s current president, named FIFA, will arrive, will collect a profit of four billion reais,” or nearly $2 billion. Normally, a profit like that would cost a business about $500 million, Romário said, but FIFA “won’t pay it. That is: it will come, it will mount its circus, won’t spend anything and will take everything.”
Quotes From Brazilian Futbal Stars:
Congressman and former Brazil striker Romario, in a video message: “Keep protesting, keep going to the streets, always peacefully. It’s the only way congressmen will understand that things need to change. Congratulations. More than ever I’m proud to be Brazilian.”
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Brazil defender David Luiz: “Brazilians love their country and that’s why these protests are happening.”
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Brazil striker Fred: “I’m in favor of the protests as long as they are peaceful. I’m very proud to see the people fighting to improve public transportation, health services and so many other things.”
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Brazil striker Hulk: “After seeing the people on the streets demanding improvements, it makes me feel like joining them. They are doing the right thing, what they are saying makes sense and we have to hear them. Brazil needs to improve, we all know that.”
Here is my personal take: forget for a moment about a new culture. When you visit someone else’s home they invite you to partake of their HOME, their routines and customs. You oblige as a polite guest {I hope}. When someone comes to my house I do my best to be a gracious host but I do not run out and repaint walls or buy extravagant things that are not within the normal scope of being a gracious entertainer {e.g., if I know someone likes baklava then of course I would buy some :)}. Host nations who have been awarded the opportunity for hosting the Word Cup should not have to be pressured to create expensive monstrosities to impress or host visitors. This does the opposite of instilling national pride; it depletes resources and energy and excitement. It becomes about keeping up with the Jones’ on an international scale. We should go to the host nation, enjoy their culture. Live the way they do instead of expecting their conformation to our way of life. Safety? YES. But perhaps without the anger due to the strains in place, their would be less to fear in terms of safety.
Celebrate the World Cup Spirit, have fun, & stay safe!