FIFA admits 'no plan B' for Brazil 2014
FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke insisted next year's World Cup inBrazil will go ahead as planned despite civil unrest marring theConfederations Cup.
And the 52-year-old is predicting the tournament could be the "best World Cup ever."
This year's Confederations Cup has been
rocked by violent protests,with over a million people taking to the streets to oppose hightransport fees, corruption and the cost of the approaching World Cup.
Butdespite admitting FIFA did consider stopping the Confederations Cup dueto the protests, Valcke said there was never an alternative mentionedfor next year's World Cup.
"The World Cup will be held in Brazil," he told
BBC Sport.
"The first game will happen in Sao Paulo, the final will be in Rio. There is no plan B."
On the Confederations Cup, Valcke added: "There was one evening on 20 June when we reached a peak in the country."
"Thedemonstrations had moved from being non-violent protests to a minorityof violent protestors who were making a lot of noise and problems.
"Sothe following day we had a crisis meeting, including the government thelocal organising committee and FIFA just to make sure we were on thesame page, in order to end the tournament in the best possible way."
However,Valcke warned the nation there was much work to be done before thebattle for football's greatest prize began in June next year.
But he refused to acknowledge the idea that Brazil's woes were the result of FIFA's doing.
"There are many, many things to do in Brazil," he said.
"But the most important thing for us is to detach the World Cup or the Confederations Cup from these problems.
"Weare not the answer to all problems and we are definitely not the reasonfor such a crisis. We are just part of what Brazil is doing for thenext 20 years."
"I am not saying that because I work forFIFA, as secretary general. But the light FIFA is being shown in here,is the wrong one."
But should Brazil be able to iron outits problems before the beginning of the World Cup, and the nationalteam be able to replicate its current Confederations Cup form, thenValcke sees no reason why Brazil 2014 should not go down in the historybooks as the greatest ever World Cup.
"What Neymar has given in this tournament is unique. He is an amazing player, a beautiful player," he added.
"Andthis is a great Brazilian team. Congratulations to coach Luiz FelipeScolari, he has brought his team together, brought a unity, he has foundhis 11, he has found his team.
"If Brazil plays well at the World Cup you have everything to make the best World Cup ever organised.
"Itis true that what we expect is the best tournament. If Brazil playswell you will have an incredible World Cup. It is the country offootball."
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