Does FIFA have more Power than the Brazilian Congress?
In September 2009, FIFA requested to the Federal Government an extension of tax exemptions; in May 2010, a law was approved to accommodate FIFA’s demands.
OK, in that case, the Government may say that there was a misunderstanding of the rules imposed by FIFA to all countries which apply to host the World Cup – Brazil knew the rules and should have obeyed them from the start.
In November of 2009, several newspapers in Brazil informed that FIFA requested the city Government of Sao Paulo to change the Clean City law, so that FIFA and CBF’s partners can advertise near the stadiums (the law isn’t exclusive for those partners, but CBF already showed that will take action against ambush marketing). The city of Sao Paulo (the only one in Brazil where such restrictive law exists) is still examining the matter.
Now, there is another case where the Brazilian legislation goes against FIFA interests.
Three days ago, a law was amended in Brazil to improve organization and increase safety of Sports events and fans. The law of amendment, in article 13a, reads:
“Article 13-A. These are requirements for access to and permanence in a sports venue, without prejudice of requirements determined by other laws:
II – not to bear objects, drinks or substances which are prohibited or are susceptible of generating or can possibilitate the practicing of acts of violence;”
That means that the law now prohibits alcoholic drinks in stadiums. Even before the law, CBF had already in 2008 signed a letter of compromise with the Public Prosecutors, to ban alcohol from the football matches.
The problem is that Budweiser is one of the main partners of FIFA – and the corporation which owns Budweiser is also owner of the major Brazilian beer brands, such as Brahma, Skol and Antarctica.
Yesterday, Brazilian journalist Ancelmo Gois, who publishes a column at influential newspaper O Globo, and who is known for having good sources inside CBF and the Government, informed that “FIFA asked the suspension of the law of protection to Sports events, which Lula approved recently – the contract between FIFA and Budweiser demands that the beer is sold in stadiums during the World Cup”.
In Brazil, to “suspend a law”, another law is necessary.
It remains to be seen if FIFA will get that law.
Read more from the original source:
Can FIFA change laws in Brazil?
