Brazil will have World Cup legacy, says minister

Ariel view of the Maracana Stadium, Brazil

Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo has rejected claims that the government is wasting public money owing to soaring 2014 Football World Cup costs.

Almost all of Brazil’s 12 World Cup stadiums have run over budget while many infrastructure projects have been criticised for lacking transparency.

“The government believes that building stadiums will generate benefits,” Rebelo said. “Nearly 3.6 million jobs will be created due to the World Cup in Brazil. What other event has this potential?”

Rebelo also guaranteed infrastructure works would leave a lasting legacy for the country.

“South Africa in 2010 and Germany in 2006 didn’t invest in a legacy,” Rebelo said. “Germany already had everything ready and South Africa didn’t have the resources.”

“We have made it our responsibility to build airports, viaducts, roads and more.”