World football governing body FIFA will work with Brazil to ensure the "most extraordinary" 2014 World Cup, FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said here Friday after fence-mending talks with President Dilma Rousseff.
"We came to the conclusion that we will work together hand in hand and we will be able... to present the most extraordinary Word Cup ever organized," Blatter said after the meeting.
The talks were meant to put a final end to the row sparked by criticism from FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke of Brazil's lagging preparations for the World Cup.
Valcke touched off a firestorm of protest earlier this month when he said the Brazilian organizers of football's 2014 showpiece needed a "kick up the backside" because preparations were running behind schedule.
FIFA subsequently apologized for Valcke's remarks, which offended Brazilian authorities.
Brazil accepted the apologies but said Valcke was no longer acceptable as a FIFA spokesman.
Valcke said he profoundly regretted that an incorrect interpretation of his comments had triggered such an angry response from the host country.
FIFA has for months expressed concern over whether preparations, such as infrastructure projects and renovation or construction of stadiums, are on track for the first World Cup in football-mad Brazil since 1950.
Source: AFP
