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Pele: Brazil Risk Embarrassment In Hosting 2014 World Cup
Pele fears that Brazil could be humiliated if they do not complete works for the 2014 World Cup, while lamenting Ganso's contract dispute with Santos...
19-Feb-2011 5:40:00 AM
By Daniel Edwards
Brazilian football legend Pele admitted that his country could become a laughing stock if the 2014 World Cup does not run smoothly, while also voicing his concern at the ongoing contract dispute at his former club Santos involving young prospect Ganso.
"Brazil is running a huge risk of embarrassing itself in its handling of the World Cup," Pele told reporters in an audience organised by sponsors Santander.
The South American bid has been under close scrutiny since the last World Cup ended, with concerns over airports and other transport infrastructure particular concerns in the world's fifth largest nation.
"The delay in the works is something that is really worrying. Everyone knows how hard we fought to win the World Cup and the (2016 Rio de Janeiro) Olympic Games. We went round the world to find votes and now we are in a worrying place for everyone who worked on that project. Brazil has an obligation to host a successful World Cup.
"The main issues are with communications, but the airports are a problem as well, and not just for the people here, but from outside as well."
Pele went on to talk about the situation of Santos number 10 Ganso, and affirmed that this was another situation which troubled him.
"This scandal around Ganso makes me very upset. I still haven't talked to him, but it is very sad to hear what is happening. There are so many players starting now and they already want to leave their clubs for more money.
"Ganso is an athlete who is only now putting an injury behind him. He must first think about returning to the field, taking things slowly: and after he can think about leaving. In all honesty this is all related with the agents and investors trying to end up with big commissions," the 70-year-old fired.
"Brazil is running a huge risk of embarrassing itself in its handling of the World Cup," Pele told reporters in an audience organised by sponsors Santander.
The South American bid has been under close scrutiny since the last World Cup ended, with concerns over airports and other transport infrastructure particular concerns in the world's fifth largest nation.
"The delay in the works is something that is really worrying. Everyone knows how hard we fought to win the World Cup and the (2016 Rio de Janeiro) Olympic Games. We went round the world to find votes and now we are in a worrying place for everyone who worked on that project. Brazil has an obligation to host a successful World Cup.
"The main issues are with communications, but the airports are a problem as well, and not just for the people here, but from outside as well."
Pele went on to talk about the situation of Santos number 10 Ganso, and affirmed that this was another situation which troubled him.
"This scandal around Ganso makes me very upset. I still haven't talked to him, but it is very sad to hear what is happening. There are so many players starting now and they already want to leave their clubs for more money.
"Ganso is an athlete who is only now putting an injury behind him. He must first think about returning to the field, taking things slowly: and after he can think about leaving. In all honesty this is all related with the agents and investors trying to end up with big commissions," the 70-year-old fired.
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Santos - Fluminense FC
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