Brazil 2014 Update: No Government Money For Stadiums

Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently announced that the government will not give money for stadiums to be built for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Speaking in São Paulo, the head of Brazil’s government made it clear that government funds will be used to improve infrastructure in the host cities and not for construction of stadiums.

Lula, seen here holding the World Cup Trophy, also said that it is the responsibility of the clubs, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF-Confederação Brasileira de Futebol), and the private sector to improve the stadiums. He also guaranteed that funds will be appropriated to improve infrastructure for the sites for The Great Tournament once they are announced.

Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento or “Growth Acceleration Program” is the government program in Brazil to improve infrastructure and public services and will be the source of funds integrating public and private resources to implement policies to improve things in the host cities and throughout Brazil.

Brazil has received approval from FIFA to have 12 cities as host sites for the tournament even though FIFA prefers to 8 to 10. Brazil is the world’s 5th largest nation in terms of land area which poses infrastructure and transportation issues unique to the country. The readiness of stadiums for the World Cup has come into question, especially after a 2007 FIFA Inspection Report indicated that none of the proposed stadiums were up to FIFA standards for the event.

Since then, organizing officials have said that the stadiums will be ready in time for The Great Tournament. The Maracanã will become the 2nd stadium to host a World Cup Final twice along with Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Brazil, the 5-time World Champions will become the 5th nation to host the World Cup for the 2nd time, joining Mexico (’70 & ’86), Italy (’34 & ’90), France (’38 & ’98), and Germany (’74 & ’06).