Brazil Ruling Gives FIFA Ability To Negotiate Alcohol Sales At World Cup Venues

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff yesterday “approved the sale of alcoholic beverages inside stadiums" ahead of the country hosting the '14 FIFA World Cup, according to Tales Azzoni of the AP. Alcohol sales have been "the most contentious issue" leading up to the event, and getting resolution to the issue “was a demand by FIFA because Budweiser is a major sponsor.” FIFA will “have to negotiate the sale of alcohol inside stadiums" with some local governments. Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo has said that FIFA's “need to deal with local governments shouldn't be considered a problem since the states and cities signed agreements with the governing body and promised to abide by its demands" when Brazil was picked as host in '07 (AP, 6/6). Beer sales have been “illegal at football matches" in Brazil since '03. The ban was introduced “as part of measures to tackle violence among rival fans and hooliganism” (BBC NEWS, 6/6).