Brazil's World Cup Delays

Delays are plaguing Brazil's 12 World Cup host cities, including Rio which is also preparing for the 2016 Olympics. The delays have raised doubts in some people's minds that the country will be able to pull off these major events.

Practically all the works which were to have been carried out starting in May in the 12 venues across Brazil for the football tournament have run into delays, and the December 2012 deadline for completion is looking iffy.

Yet that's the date needed because Brazil is also hosting FIFA's Confederation Cup in 2013.

In June this year, just half the 12 Brazilian cities hosting games have started work to get stadiums and infrastructure into shape, triggering a warning from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke to get cracking.

Brazil's World Cup preps dogged by doubts, delays
AFP
December 2, 2010

Favela Cleanup Program Spurs Violence in Rio

Violence has erupted in Rio de Janeiro as the state expands on a program to try to clean up the city's crime-riddled favelas. The impact is intended to refresh the city's image ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

Rio authorities say the violence is in reaction to a two-year-old policing project, known as the "pacification" program, to root out organized drug-fueled crime by occupying favelas (or shanty towns). The program involves setting up heavy policing units to reclaim slums from gangs, and authorities say it has "pacified" 13 favelas since its inception.

To supporters it has been a one-of-a-kind success. For skeptics it is smoke and mirrors. The answer generally depends on where you live.

Rash of Rio violence rattles even hardened residents in Brazil's World Cup host city
The Christian Science Monitor
November 24, 2010

Brazil Tries to Calm Concerns About Crime Ahead of World Cup

Amid recent violence, officials in Brazil are insisting that the 2014 World Cup will be a safe event.

Justice Minister Luiz Paulo Barreto made the comments as Rio de Janeiro tries to contain a surge in violence, with gang members blocking roads and setting cars on fire in the city expected to host the World Cup final four years from now.

Barreto downplayed the recent concerns, saying security will reach its maximum level during the World Cup.

"We will be at an advanced level, with the police properly prepared," he said in the opening of a three-day meeting with government officials, local authorities and FIFA executives in the nation's capital. "The competition will take place in an environment of a lot of peace and tranquility."

Brazil insists 2014 World Cup will be peaceful
USA Today
November 23, 2010

Banks Offers $11.8 Billion for Sao Paulo-Rio Rail by 2016

Brazil's national development bank, BNDES, has offered to lend nearly $12 billion to help fund a high speed rail link between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the country's two biggest cities.

The 30-year loan will pay interest of 6 percent plus another percentage point in fees related to credit risk, state lender BNDES said in a statement. Borrowers will only start paying the loan six months after the expected start of the train service between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro by 2016.

The BNDES funding is equivalent to 60 percent of the estimated 33 billion reais cost of the project. The consortium that will build the railway will be picked in an auction scheduled for Dec. 16, the statement added.

Brazil offers to lend $11.8 bln for high-speed train
Reuters
November 8, 2010

Brazil's Green Building Industry Grows Ahead of 2016 Olympics

The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are expected to help boost the green building industry in Brazil.

Global concerns about the impact of arenas and stadiums led the International Olympic Committee to require arenas built for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro meet international standards for low carbon emissions and energy efficiency.

This has boosted local interest in developing real estate that with lower environmental impact than existing buildings, a trend that comes as the Brazilian government is carrying out a long-term infrastructure expansion program meant to make its economy more competitive.

Brazil Olympics spurring green construction
Reuters
November 3, 2010

Security the Big Challenge for Rio: IOC Chief

Security and to a lesser degree transportation will be the top two challenges Rio de Janeiro will need to tackle ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympics, according to Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee.

“I’m not saying Rio is not equipped (to confront the problem).

On the contrary, but I have to say that the number one issue is security. We are talking about human lives.

“The second main problem, and it’s one that can be applied to all editions of the Games, with a few rare exceptions, is transport.”

Security wil be Rio's biggest Olympic challenge: Rogge
Times
November 1, 2010

Rio Stadium Work Begins, But Still Behind Schedule

Six months behind schedule and in danger of being removed from the list of World Cup host stadia, Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium has finally entered its renovation stage.

The work, budgeted at 705.6 million reais ($398 million) started with the removal of the seats in the lower ring of the stands in the stadium, the likely venue for the final.

Renovations will see the stadium's capacity reduced by more than half to 45,000 for the next 50 days and then closed.

The work is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012, in time to stage the Confederations Cup in Rio the following year.

Maracana work for 2014 World Cup gets underway late
Reuters
August 25, 2010

The Preparation Challenge for Brazil

As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, much sport-related work is underway. But beyond the fields and venues, the country has major infrastructure, transportation and safety issues to address.

About 60 percent of the sports venues are already completed because Brazil hosted the 2007 Pan American Games and -- with an eye toward capturing the big prize -- built those facilities to Olympics specs.

But billions of dollars of sports-driven projects from port renovation and airport overhauls to the construction of major highways, transit systems, stadiums and an Olympic Village complete with a beach are planned. Besides accommodating the influx of fans, athletes and officials, the goal is to leave a lasting legacy for Brazilians.

Brazil getting extreme makeover in preparation for Olympics
The Miami Herald

Airport Capacity a Concern in Brazil Ahead of 2014

A new report warns that Brazil's airport capacity is too low to handle the expected 146 million travelers entering the country by 2014. Airport expansion is one of the priorities of the government ahead of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

For years, infrastructure bottlenecks have been one of Brazil's biggest problems as growing auto sales and airline travel, along with a furious expansion in commodities industries, have put strains on ports, highways and airports.

Brazil is already under fire for being behind on construction of stadiums and other World Cup infrastructure.

A report by the consulting firm McKinsey and Co said at the close of 2009, seven of Brazil's 20 principal airports were struggling with overcrowding in both passenger areas and plane berths that frequently led to delays or canceled flights.

Brazil airport capacity lags as World Cup looms
Reuters via Fox News
July 27, 2010

Favela Clearance and Renovation Planned in Rio

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes has announced a broad plan to clear and clean up some of the city's favelas. The dirt road slums would be replaced with paved roads, properly built homes connected to water and electricity -- a project expected to take roughly 10 years.

The plan would affect over 260,000 households and would cost over $4.5bn (£2.9bn), Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said.

Hundreds of Rio's favelas will be re-built and 123 of the most "at risk" slums will be torn down.

Approximately 13,000 families in the 123 areas to be cleared would be relocated, Mr Paes said.

Rio plans to clear slums ahead of 2016 Olympic Games
BBC
July 27, 2010

Rio Rebounds

Ahead of the World Cup and the Olympics, Rio de Janeiro is seeing increased attention from international investors, especially in the shipbuilding, oil and steel industries.

The governor, Sergio Cabral, forecasts the state of Rio will need as much as $US90 billion ($102 billion) in investment until 2013 for the expansion of the shipbuilding, iron, steel and nuclear power industries, led by projects from the billionaire Eike Batista.

Oil producers and mining companies helped double state exports in the first five months of the year, a growth rate three times faster than the nation as a whole.

''It's in the midst of a major transformation,'' said Mr Palmer, Gartmore's head of global developing markets. ''Rio has come back into the fold because of the Olympics and the development of the oil and gas industry.''

Investors go to Rio as opportunities flourish
Sydney Morning Herald
July 17, 2010

Rio's Stadium Faces Years-Long Closure for Renovation

Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium will close for nearly 2 and a half years for renovations ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Its capacity will be slashed from about 175,000 to about 86,000. [Note: an earlier version of this post indicated that the seating would be reduced to 56,000, which, from what I can tell, is incorrect. Documents from Brazil's 2007 inspection report indicate the stadium will hold roughly 86,000. -NB 7/19/10]

To prepare for Maracana's starring role when Brazil plays host to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, the International Olympic Committee and FIFA want a stadium with fewer seats and more exits. The new Maracana also will be the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Olympics.

The stadium will be closed for about 2 ½ years, but the renovation must be finished before Brazil plays host to the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013.

Brazilian icon faces makeover
The Miami Herald
July 15, 2010

Brazil Eyes High Speed Rail Line

The Brazilian government is planning to build a high speed rail line to connect Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, its two largest cities. Construction of the line is not likely to be complete by 2014 when the country hosts the World Cup, but will probably be operational in time for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The government will auction the concession for building the line this December.

The tender offer projects a total cost if 34.6 billion Brazilian reals ($19.5 billion) for the bullet train. Of this, BRL20 billion in financing will come from Brazil's National Development Bank, or BNDES, and BRL4 billion from import-export banks in supplier countries, leaving a little more than BRL10 billion for financing by private sources.

The auction will take place at Brazil's BM&FBovespa stock exchange in Sao Paulo on Dec. 16 and will be open to both domestic and foreign investors.

Brazil Sets Dec. 16 For Auction Of Bullet Train Concession
Automated Trader
July 13, 2010

Host Cities Selected for 2014 World Cup in Brazil

12 host cities have been selected for Brazil's 2014 World Cup.

There were no real surprises as Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo were given the go-ahead to stage games in the tournament.

Seventeen cities had submitted bids and Belem, Campo Grande, Goiania, Rio Branco and Florianopolis were the five to miss out.

The selection covered all the main regions of Brazil and results in a tournament which will require plenty of long-distance travel for teams. The South American country is the fifth biggest in the world by geographical size.

... FIFA had originally wanted just 10 venues for the finals but were persuaded by the Brazilians to allow two extra ones.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said there was an enormous amount of work to be done in the coming five years.

"There is not a single city ready to host a World Cup game today or even in six months time," said Valcke.

Source:
FIFA names venues for 2014 World Cup in Brazil
The Guardian
May 31, 2009

Recession Weighs Heavily as Hopeful Hosts Convene in Denver

Olympic planners and hopeful representatives of prospective future host cities are in Denver this week for a conference on international sporting events. The downturn in the economy is a major focus of the meetings, especially for London, where the recession's timing has been unfortunate for the city's 2012 preparations.

The recession forms the backdrop to the SportAccord convention and International Olympic Committee executive board meetings in Denver, the biggest gathering of international sports officials in the United States since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which will feature key public presentations Wednesday by the four candidates for the 2016 Olympics -- Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. With six months to go before the Oct. 2 vote in Copenhagen, the cities are trying to position themselves as the most financially secure to cope with the downturn.

...

Despite the pressures, London organizers remain confident they will come within the overall 9.325 billion pound ($13.6 billion) budget for venues, infrastructure and regeneration. The figure is more than double the original estimate.

Source:
Recession forms backdrop of Olympic conference
Sports Illustrated
March 23, 2009

Brazil Ready to Learn From South Africa for 2014

A recent global business and marketing conference focused on the World Cup brought 2014 host country officials into close contact with 2010 host country officials. The Soccerex conference was held in Brazil, which hopes to utilize its 2014 hosting chance as an opportunity for broad civic improvement in the country.

Orlando Silva, the Brazilian minister of sport, said the 2014 World Cup will offer his country many opportunities to improve their infrastructure, adding that they also hope to learn a lot from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“The 2014 World Cup will also help us fast-track community developments. We will also be able to develop the business part of football,” Silva said.

...

Gauteng will host the next three editions of the Soccerex forum, from 2010 to 2013.

In November this year, Gauteng will also host the last of its three Soccerex conferences, which are usually attended by the top brass from Fifa, including president Sepp Blatter.

...

From next year until 2013, the Soccerex conference will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil .

Source:
Gauteng praised for role in Soccerex forum
Sowetan
March 20, 2009