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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, December 22nd 2024 - 05:08 UTC

 

 

Russia ‘far advanced’ to host the World Cup (in 2018) than Brazil

Saturday, January 21st 2012 - 05:52 UTC
Full article 3 comments
”I can tell you that we are far, far advanced (in Russia). Even, I would say, we have more problems actually in Brazil than...here” Blatter told a news conference. ”I can tell you that we are far, far advanced (in Russia). Even, I would say, we have more problems actually in Brazil than...here” Blatter told a news conference.

Russia is already better prepared to host the 2018 World Cup than Brazil, which will stage the 32-team soccer competition in 2014, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Friday.

”I can tell you that we are far, far advanced (in Russia). Even, I would say, we have more problems actually in Brazil than...here“ Blatter told a news conference.

Blatter said last month that Brazil still had problems with airports, roads and public transport.

Later on Friday, Blatter backtracked, saying he had received an encouraging report from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke about progress in Brazil's preparations for the 2014 finals.

”I received a very encouraging report from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke after his visit to Brazil this week. In this context, I would like to reiterate we are convinced Brazil will organise a fantastic FIFA World Cup 2014 on schedule“ a FIFA statement in Portuguese quoted Blatter as saying.

”In my comment earlier in Russia -- which led to some misunderstandings -- I was referring to the excellent preparations in Russia up to the moment, since they are ahead of schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2018,“ he said.

”Regarding Brazil, I am very satisfied with the strong commitment in the last few days by the Brazilian government under the leadership of Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and I am anxious for us to continue on our walk together towards 2014”.

Russia won the right to stage the sports' biggest event for the first time when it beat England and joint bids from Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands in December 2010.

Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini were visiting St Petersburg to celebrate the centenary of the Russian Football Union.
 

Categories: Economy, International.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • Sir Rodderick Bodkin

    In Soviet Russia, world cup hosts you.

    Jan 21st, 2012 - 12:50 pm 0
  • Cruzansailor

    With FIFA it's all about the money. Brazil wants to avoid violence at the games by prohibiting the sale of “Budweiser” the horse piss of beers, being marketed as a premium brand now in South America, sort of like Fosters in Australia. I hope Brazil sticks to its guns and saves lives from drunken sports hooligans. FIFA is out of control and Sepp Blatter is a corrupt swine.

    Jan 21st, 2012 - 11:18 pm 0
  • Viva Las Falklands

    @2 Totally agree with you. Though I feel it will be very difficult for Brazil to stand up against the money people in FIFA. Hope this is one of the best world cups along side Italia 90 Mexico 86 and Argentina 78. The more recent ones just dont seem to be as memorable which are perhaps just money orientated.

    Jan 22nd, 2012 - 10:27 pm 0
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