In an exclusive interview with LANCE!Net the FIFA secretary-general has talked about Brazil’s preparations to host the 2014 World Cup with just 100 days to go until kick-off.
“The deadlines are very tight. But we have president Dilma’s word that everything will be done on time and in order for the event to be a successful World Cup.”
Valcke has been becoming increasingly agitated and irritated by the host nation’s lacklustre preparations.
“There are three stadiums still to be delivered to us. São Paulo and Curitiba will probably only be ready on May 15.”
“It’s essential to start installing the information technology, which will take at least 90 days to complete, in order to ensure that the games can be broadcast to the billions of people hoping to watch.”
Valcke was asked about the dwindling popularity the the World Cup is currently facing in Brazil.
“Brazil is a democratic country of 200 million people. It’s impossible for all of them to share the same beliefs. The latest research suggests the 58% are in favour of the World Cup. It’s better than the 49% in London prior to the 2012 Olympics.”
Something that has been much discussed in relation to protests that are sweeping across the country is the so-called ‘FIFA-standard’ which refers to the people’s wish to have schools and hospitals of an equal standard to that which FIFA demands in the stadiums.
“We certainly have high standards. We recognise the right the Brazilian people have to protest. However, the Brazilian government have reiterated numerous times that money for the stadiums is not coming out of the public purse as do the funds for education and health.”
“I can honestly say that it’s not an easy World Cup,” completed the Frenchman responsible for making sure that Brazil is ready to host this year’s showpiece event.
