Minister backs WCup alcohol sales

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SAO PAULO -- Brazil's sports minister affirmed to FIFA that the government remains committed to approving the sale of alcohol inside World Cup stadiums, even though Congress is divided on the issue.

Aldo Rebelo released a statement clarifying Brazil's stance just hours after congressmen hinted at removing the text on the sale of alcohol from a bill regulating the World Cup. Voting on the bill was delayed again because a deal on the issue was not reached.

Lower house leader Arlindo Chinaglia hinted that section could be removed because Brazil didn't really make a commitment to FIFA to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at the 2014 World Cup.

But Rebelo's statement late Wednesday said otherwise, reassuring FIFA that the government will not backtrack on the issue.

"The federal government clarifies that the commitment to FIFA in relation to the sale of food and beverages inside stadiums and other venues during the World Cup is part of the bill originally submitted to the national Congress," Rebelo said.

The issue is important for FIFA because Budweiser is a major World Cup sponsor.

The sale of alcohol inside stadiums is currently prohibited by law, but FIFA said Brazil agreed to make changes to its legislation when it was picked to host the World Cup back in 2007.

Chinaglia said there "were some doubts on whether the commitment to FIFA existed," and other government congressmen also said Wednesday that it didn't have to be included in the current legislation.

Rebelo released the statement immediately after voting on the bill was delayed, and congressmen were suggesting the government would change its stance.

The topic likely will come up when Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff meets with FIFA president Sepp Blatter Friday in Brasilia.

The commission approved the bill last week after much discussion and amid a crisis between the Brazilian government and FIFA about harsh remarks made by FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke, who complained of Brazil's slow World Cup preparations.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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