Rio de Janeiro: Public prosecutors in Brazil have requested an injunction demanding FIFA pay USD 550 million in World Cup logistics costs.
The public prosecutors` office, known as the Ministerio Publico Federal (MPF), said in a statement that court papers had been filed Tuesday. The sum reflects the cost of temporary broadcasting and telecommunications structures needed for the 2014 World Cup.
Prosecutors allege the facilities are the responsibility of FIFA as they will be used for a private event and do not leave a legacy for Brazil`s population.
"Is there public interest in the payment of these services if FIFA is the only holder of broadcast rights and sells them for millions of dollars? They do not bring any improvements for the country or its citizens," MPF said.
According to the statement, the amount being sought represents scaffolding, fences, walkways, lighting, cables, furniture and divisions that will be dismounted after the June 12-July 13 competition. Prosecutors have also demanded compensation of USD 15 million for "costs assumed by the government" during the Confederations Cup in June.
FIFA was not available for comment.
MPF said the court action had followed recommendations made by the organ`s World Cup working group. The request comes amid continued anti-government protests in Brazil`s major cities that began during the Confederations Cup.
A common feature of the rallies has been widespread anger that large sums of public money are being spent on the World Cup instead of vital services like education, health care and transport.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.