Last year, Brazilian Senate passed a special bill named World Cup law and gave a guarantee to world’s governing body for next year’s world cup. Now, a federal prosecutor has confirmed of filing a PIL against the State and said any such law is in clear violation of constitutional guarantee given to every Brazilian. Prosecutor named as Roberto Gurgel has challenged two articles of that law: one it violation Brazilian tax laws by giving a tax free gain to FIFA and second it defies Brazilians right for an equal treatment. Another saying in the challenge is that a large investment being made out of public money which was unnecessary looking at ground reality in the country where millions of citizens are fighting for their day to day necessities, like health, transportation, and public utilities. Reportedly, Brazil has spent more than 14 billion on various infrastructure works for improving world cup hospitality including renovation and construction of stadiums. As per a report, more than 90% of the world cup budget is being spent on stadium work which is in clear violation of government promise that they would not be requiring any public money for stadium work.
We have seen in just concluded confederation cup how millions of protesters gathered around match venues and police had to use tear gases, rubber bullets, and other means to control the mega gathering. According to protestors, this bill gave too much power to FIFA without putting adequate responsibilities on governing body which needs to be corrected. In fact, many of them want FIFA to pay required taxes on the profit which could be utilized for improving public utility services in Brazil. Though, FIFA president recently declared to offer a 100 million package to improve infrastructure there, but for protestors, this is nothing more than a charity which should be given to them as their right.
For now, State spokesman has refused to comment on any such development while prosecutor’s office has confirmed for such filling. According to Gurgel, Brazil Supreme Court will hear the case though no confirmed date has been given for the hearing as of now. The protest could be the roadmap for next year’s world cup along with 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics where even more investment would be needed. If somehow prosecutor manages to convince court about the misappropriation of limited funds in a country like Brazil, it would be a greatest setback for FIFA and more especially for Brazilian football association who has spent billions on making things better for organizing this mega soccer event.