By Andrew Warshaw
January 22 - Brazil's preparations for staging the 2014 World Cup have been further undermined by a seemingly off-the-cuff remark from FIFA President Sepp Blatter that 2018 hosts Russia are already making better progress.
"I can tell you that we are far, far advanced [in Russia]," Blatter told a news conference in St. Petersburg to celebrate the centenary of the Russian Football Union.
"Even, I would say, we have more problems actually in Brazil than...here."
The comment appeared somewhat ill-timed, however, with Blatter - prone to using flattering language depending on where he is at the time -- quickly redressing the balance by saying he had received an encouraging report from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke regarding Brazil's efforts.
Valcke has been on a fact-finding to the 2014 hosts and a FIFA statement in Portuguese quoted Blatter as saying: "I received a very encouraging report from FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke after his visit to Brazil this week.
"In this context, I would like to reiterate we are convinced Brazil will organise a fantastic FIFA World Cup 2014 on schedule.
"In my comment earlier in Russia - which led to some misunderstandings - I was referring to the excellent preparations in Russia up to the moment, since they are ahead of schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2018.
"Regarding Brazil, I am very satisfied with the strong commitment in the last few days by the Brazilian Government under the leadership of Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and I am anxious for us to continue on our walk together towards 2014."
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