A ‘Happy’ Sepp Blatter

The World Cup has escaped the massive protests that marred last year’s Confederations Cup.


Afp July 03, 2014

RIO DE JANEIRO: Fifa President Sepp Blatter declared that the World Cup in Brazil was a success, saying that fears of anti-tournament protests had not materialised.

“I am a very happy man today,” said Blatter. “It is a success of the country, of this game.”

The World Cup has escaped the massive protests that marred last year’s warm-up tournament, the Confederations Cup, when hundreds of thousands of people swarmed the streets to denounce the record $11 billion spent on hosting the event.

The protests have been much smaller during the World Cup, drawing a few hundred demonstrators still angry that the country spent so much on stadiums instead of hospitals, schools and public transport.

“I would like to address my compliments to the people of Brazil. They accepted this World Cup,” said Blatter.

While around 10 people protested against Fifa outside the seminar’s building, the head of football’s governing body asked, “Where is the social contest?”

The tournament was a success thanks to high television ratings, stadiums that are ‘works of art’ and zero positive tests for doping, he said.

“Let’s cross fingers, hoping that the last games will take place with the same pattern, the same atmosphere,” he said.

Attending the same seminar, Brazil’s deputy sports minister Luis Fernandes joined Local Organizing Committee member and 1994 world champion Bebeto in saluting the event so far.

“I was always positive and I am very proud. It was a huge job to organise this tournament,” said Bebeto.

Meanwhile, Fernandes said closer and greater integration between both sides had been crucial.

“The predicted chaos didn’t happen,” said Fernandes, alluding to months of pessimistic media coverage regarding Brazil’s ability to host such a large scale event.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2014.

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