Joseph Blatter wants the World Cup opening ceremony in Rio, contradicting the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation).
FIFA president adds fuel to the fire by declaring he wants the opening of the 2014 World Cup to be held at the Maracanã, not in São Paulo.
After months of a veritable battle over the financial viability of the Corinthians Arena in Itaquera, FIFA president Joseph Blatter added fuel to the fire by declaring to Agência Estado that he wants the opening of the 2014 World Cup to be held at the Maracanã and not in São Paulo.
"We've already given the Media Center to Rio, and the FIFA headquarters will be in Rio. Therefore, the most suitable city to host the opening is indeed Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian football is Rio. And, for the world, Rio is undoubtedly the most attractive city to open a World Cup," declared the official.
According to Blatter, internal political infighting in Brazil has hampered the selection of World Cup stadiums. "The main obstacle to organizing the World Cup in Brazil has been the political infighting between mayors, governors, and the federal government. This could indeed hinder many things. Brazil will host a great World Cup. But it has to resolve this political conflict."
The sport's top official also criticized the current state of football in the five-time world champion country and doubts whether Brazil will be able to assemble a team strong enough to win the 2014 World Cup at home.
"Brazil has a new coach, but there's already a lot of criticism. Ricardo Teixeira said he won't change the plan, but the truth is that if there aren't results, he'll have to rethink things. Brazil won't have any more official matches, just friendly games. There's no more competitive pressure until the Confederations Cup. So you never know where the national team will be," he warned.
According to the official, Brazil will find it easier to organize the World Cup than to win it. "It's not so easy to organize this event, not even for Brazil. But, look, I'm sure Brazil will host a great World Cup. I'm just not so sure they'll have the best team," he opined.