Romário has launched a stinging attack on FIFA and their organisation of next summer’s World Cup.
The 47 year-old also questions the involvement of Bebeto and Ronaldo – who are members of the Organising Committee (LOC) – in an interview with the New York Times.
Romário, who was elected to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies in 2010, as long been critical of the 2014 World Cup.
“They [the organisation] are robbing the Brazilian people," he said.
"FIFA got what it came for: money. Things like transportation that affect the public after the tournament is over? They don’t care. They don’t care about what is going to be left behind.
"They found a way to get rich on the World Cup and they robbed the people instead. This is the real shame."
The former Brazil international – capped 70 times – labelled Bebeto and Ronaldo ‘ignorant’.
“Either Ronaldo and Bebeto aren’t aware of what is going on, or they are pretending they aren’t aware of what is going on. Either way, it is ignorant," continued Romário.
The Confederations Cup and a recent visit from FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke were marred by protests – some violent. Romário not only expects their to be similar incidents at the World Cup, but encourages them.
"Not only do I think they will return, I think they should return," he said. "There will be a World Cup here next year, we know that. But this, these demonstrations, is the way you make politicians wake up.
"This is the way you make people think about whether or not they are going to rob you again tomorrow.
"There’s no good schools, there’s no good hospitals — how can there be a World Cup?"
