Brazil Hopes to Limit Sports Bodies' Powers Ahead of Mega Events

As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, officials are pushing a new law that would limit the powers of the international bodies behind the two major sporting events.

1 minute read

July 1, 2011, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"'The goal was to make the text more clear, to show that no superpowers were given to an international body,' Brazil Sports Minister Orlando Silva said on his radio program on Wednesday. 'But Brazil will fulfill all requirements made by FIFA and will abide to their recommendations.'

There had been widespread criticism after the legislation was initially approved by the lower house a few weeks ago, with local media and watchdog groups saying the changes could open the door for misuse of public money and overspending."

The new law hopes to ensure that bidding for World Cup and Olympics projects using public money will be more open and less susceptible to corruption.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in The New York Times

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