After receiving boos during the opening match of the Confederations Cup, FIFA president Joseph Baltter and Brazil president Dilma Rousseff may not make an opening speech at the World Cup.
Boos rang out when Blatter and Rousseff spoke before Brazil versus Japan in the opening match of the Confederation Cup last year and UOL Sport have reported quotes from FIFA’s president.
UOL Sport also spoke with FIFA’s head of press department Delia Fischer who insisted that Blatter won’t be giving an opening speech because of a change in format, although she stressed this wasn’t 100% confirmed.
Although he may not speak to the crowds, Blatter has been speaking with German news agency DPA about the World Cup.
The FIFA president said: “I do not know what can happen I am not a prophet but I’m convinced that the protests in Brazil will not have the same argument that they had during the Confederation Cup.
“I am convinced that the situation has calmed. Let’s do the opening ceremony so that we do not make speeches.”
Blatter went on to admit that the likelihood of protests could be down to the success of the Brazilian team but believes it will be a good World Cup, in footballing terms at least.
He concluded: “Brazil has 200 million football fans and will receive the world as well. How the local team play will also have an influence but I am convinced it will be a good World Cup, at least when it comes to football.”
