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FIFA concerned but won’t pay some of Brazil’s World Cup bill despite local shortcomings

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FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke speaks during a news conference during the Team Workshop for the 2014 World Cup in Florianopolis, Brazil, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Football’s governing body FIFA says the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba will still host matches during this year’s World Cup, despite serious delays in the construction of the stadium. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil – FIFA says it will not pay some of Brazil’s World Cup bill even though it admits the local organizers’ failure to fulfil their commitments may jeopardize the tournament’s success.

After deciding to let the southern city of Curitiba host matches despite significant stadium delays, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke says it is not giving additional money to help the host cities which are backing down from their obligations to pay for things such as temporary structures and fanfests, which FIFA says are crucial for the tournament.

FIFA says it is working with local officials to try to lower costs and reduce requirements, but Valcke says “we will not take over” the payments to make up for the shortcomings of organizers.

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