FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Power of Sponsors

Rea today an interesting article about a clash between FIFA and the Brazilian Government.

"Beer must be sold at all venues hosting matches in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, football's world governing body, Fifa, has insisted.

Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke said the right to sell beer must be enshrined in a World Cup law the Brazilian Congress is considering.

Alcoholic drinks are currently banned at Brazilian stadiums and the country's health minister has urged Congress to maintain the ban in the new law.

Brewer Budweiser is a big Fifa sponsor.

Mr Valcke is visiting Brazil to press for progress on the much-delayed World Cup law.
Fifa has become frustrated, because voting on the legislation has been held up in Congress by the dispute over alcohol sales.

The Brazilian government has also failed to resolve differences with Fifa over cut-price tickets for students and senior citizens, and demands for sponsors of the World Cup to have their trademarks protected"

Source BBC News

It does make one wonder what would happen if Scotland did win a bid to co-host the Euros with one of our Celtic cousins... since Scotland has a ban on alcohol sales within stadia. I am unsure of the current law, but obviously in hospitality boxes drink can be sold to fans.

It will be of interest to see whether Brazil fall in line with FIFA.