FIFA officials confirmed Saturday that the Confederations Cup-a soccer match at the center of mass demonstrations in Brazil that have lasted for more than a week-will continue, despite the fact that tensions in the country grow ever higher.
Initially, there were whispers of Confederations Cup cancellation-some even said that the World Cup 2014-slated to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and Sao Paulo-would not happen.
But FIFA quickly dashed those rumors, saying that they weren't even considering it.
"To date, neither FIFA nor the [local organizing committee] have ever discussed any such possibility," a FIFA spokesperson told The Independent.
In the last few days, millions of Brazilian citizens have taken to the streets, protesting what they call excessive fees for the massive imminent events.
But the protests aren't all soccer related-many residents of the South American country have expressed grievances with the government-which has been wrapped in controversy for the last couple of years-is in the midst of a deep hole of debt, and is quickly raising the prices of public transportation.
Additionally, since the demonstrations have begun, police brutality has worsened, furthering the protester's cause all the more.
Brazil has not been affected by a revolution on this large scale for more than 20 years.
According to a report released on Friday, Brazilians are furious with the government's neglect-it isn't the soccer match itself that is enraging them, rather, an extreme shortage in hospital treatment, consistent public transportation, and lack of education constitutes a serious problem for the citizens of the country. While they suffer severe inequalities, the protesters say, huge plans and much money are being poured into the World and Confederation Cup plans.
"Those responsible for the 2014 World Cup thought they could do what they wanted and that no one would do anything," said Amir Somoggi, a finance and marketing consultant who works with some soccer organizations. "But this popular uprising shows that we are changing. Could it have come earlier? Yes. But it's never too late to highlight the joke that is ridiculous public investment in stadium with little concern for public opinion."
