Jerome Valcke, FIFA general secretary has requested the Brazilians to support next summer’s World Cup, and added that it isn’t the right time to protest.
FIFA knows that the civil dissent over the cost of staging the most-awaited event might hamper the tournament itself.
“Everyone has a right to express their dissent. I believe this is the wrong time to do that. The delays have made the preparations for the tournament even harder.” Valcke said.
“This is the time where the Confederations Cup winners have the chance to prepare hard for the World Cup. So, there should be support from Brazil for organizing a tournament of such magnitude. I am not asking them to support FIFA. We are asking them to support an event which they have won five times already and it would be a dream come true of them can win their first at home.”
Many Brazilian protestors have argued that the investment in the World Cup- almost 8 billion pounds, should have been spent on necessities like hospitals, schools and transport.
“I think people need to pay attention and realise that this is a great moment for the country,” he added.
Three-time World Cup winner from Brazil, Pele supported Valcke’s call to remain calm next year. He said, “It is not against football, and nothing against the players. This is a political problem, but I think it is a good opportunity. Brazil is the country which would be hosting three very important events- the Confederations Cup, The World Cup and The Olympic games. The investment would make good publicity and would result in heavy tourism.”