First Corruption Scandal Involving People from the 2014 WC

Fábio Simão, Arruda and Ricardo Teixeira (photo: P.Gualberto-09/17/08)

No one seems to be talking about this outside Brazil, so here we go.

The first scandal involving people working in the 2014 World Cup is already upon us. Fábio Simão, who heads the works of Brasilia for the World Cup, had to step down as one of the advisers of José Roberto Arruda, governor of the Federal District. Arruda was caught by the Brazilian federal police in a scheme which private firms gave financial bribes to him, the vice governor and, at least, 8 lFederal District legislative council members. Simão, who was his top adviser, stepped down with other 3 advisers.

But this is not his only job. Simão is the president of the Brasiliense Football Federation, and he was in charge of the public bid for the construction of the US$ 350 million stadium to be built for the cup (one of the most expensive projects, by the way). This is not to mention the close relationship with CBF and Ricardo Teixeira.

As I write this, it’s not clear whether he will step down from his works for 2014. Let’s hope so.

credit: Blog do Jose Cruz

Related posts:

1. The Politics of the 2014 World Cup Just Got Started
2. World Cup 2014: Excuses For Corruption
3. 2014 World Cup: The Waste of Public Money Started
4. 2014 World Cup: Host Cities Miss the First Deadline
5. FIFA will “decide” if Brazil gets 2014