FIFA to invest $100 million in Brazilian football

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced Tuesday (Jan 20) it will invest $100 million in the development of football in Brazil. The resources come from the 2014 Football Legacy Fund and will target the 15 states where no World Cup match was held. Sixty percent of the amount will be used in infrastructure, and 30% will be spent in supporting player training, the so-called base categories, and women's football.

The first project to be benefited is the Youth Sport Center, in the city of Belém, Pará, where four football fields were built. The projects to receive investments next are those in the states of Rondônia and Tocantins, where FIFA has started negotiations for the purchase of plots of land to be used as training centers. Further projects to be implemented in the future aim to improve living standards in impoverished communities, and raise awareness about and prevent diseases.

The funds will be managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). FIFA, however, will take part in the projects' decision making processes and keep the investments under scrutiny. “In the past, we could use the resources without FIFA's approval. This is impossible today. All the money disbursed by FIFA is subjected to clear rules and monitored so that it's appropriately used,” noted FIFA Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke.

Valcke went on to announce that the investments come as part of FIFA's commitment to local development. “We are working hard to make sure that we fulfill our commitment and not to do as some say in the media, leaving Brazil right after the final. This is not true. FIFA is committed to supporting projects wherever we organize our events,” he added.

Executive Secretary Luís Fernandes, from the Ministry of Sports, mentioned the good impression made by the latest World Cup host country, in addition to the strides made in infrastructure, like the renovated airports. “During the World Cup, Brazil presented an image as an enterprising, hospitable, and open country. This is a legacy we'll carry from now on, which will potentialize economic and social gains.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira