Audio By Carbonatix
Former Brazil international Romario has blasted FIFA for announcing an expected profit of 1.67 billion euros from the 2014 World Cup without plans to re-invest in the country's infrastructure.
The South American nation has been blighted by economic problems over recent years, with violent protests during the Confederations Cup taking place as a result of the Brazilian government's decision to raise tax rates in order to fund the two major football finals as well as the Olympics in 2016.
Romario has now vented his anger at FIFA and president Sepp Blatter for prioritizing profit from next summer's finals over ensuring that plans are in place to leave a lasting legacy to improve social and economic problems in Brazil.
"Why are we organizing the most expensive World Cup in history, without any of the benefits to the community we were promised?" Romario wrote in his column for The Guardian. "Meanwhile, FIFA has announced that it will make a 1.67 billion euro profit from Brazil's World Cup, tax-free. Its easy profit contrasts with the total lack of an effective legacy.
"I never thought the World Cup would solve all of our problems, but now my fear is that this mega event will only deepen the problems we already have."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s Starlets step up training ahead of second friendly with Morocco
28 minutes -
COCOBOD says $1.4bn domestic funding is a strategic shift, not market exclusion
1 hour -
Richmond Quarcoo appointed Ghana’s Chef de Mission for 2028 Olympics
2 hours -
‘Our missing players are more important’ – Gambia coach fires shot at Ghana
3 hours -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
3 hours -
Ghana ‘showing up differently’ on global stage – Joyce Bawah Mogtari
3 hours -
Ghana’s tuna industry in crisis as 20 hook-and-line vessels collapse
4 hours -
South Tongu MP launches apprenticeship programme for 159 young people
4 hours -
The Pusiga connection behind Gertrude Atongi’s work in New York
5 hours -
Teachers took promotion exams in December to beat government clearance deadline – GNAT
5 hours -
NPA launches 2026 staff welfare week with focus on teamwork and employee wellbeing
5 hours -
Ghana, Saint Kitts and Nevis sign labour deal to strengthen protections for Ghanaian nurses
5 hours -
Delayed promotions put teachers’ retirement benefits at risk – GNAT
5 hours -
No ‘Bawumia candidates’ in NPP executive elections – Anthony Karbo
5 hours -
Over 3,000 displaced as flooding overwhelms Hohoe communities
5 hours