FIFA says security at Maracanã is under control

Criado em 16/06/13 19h22 e atualizado em 16/06/13 19h31
Por Vladimir Platonow Edição:Graça Adjuto/Lícia Marques Fonte:Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – Local authorities in Rio report that security measures for the game between Mexico and Italy this afternoon remain in place without changes in spite of the problems that occurred in Brasilia yesterday before the game between Brazil and Japan (demonstrators briefly managed to close two entrances to the stadium, National Mané Garrincha, where the match took place and police fired tear gas at one point. However, fans were able to enter the stadium unhindered and the game took place without incidents.)

In a statement, the press officer of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of FIFA, Saint-Claire Milesi, declared that the organization recognizes the legitimate rights of demonstrators, but that the police are responsible for event security.

“As for protests, we recgonize the right to freedom of expression. This is normal, expected, within our operational planning. It is something FIFA monitors because we are concerned with any impact on our operations inside stadiums and fan access to the game. These are matters for local authorities who work together with us in dealing with security. We have complete confidence in them, certain that they will take the right measures necessary to ensure there are no negative impacts on the fans or the operation. In the case of today’s game at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio, our security perimeter has already been established and will be maintained as it is," declared Milesi

Edição: Graça Adjuto/Lícia Marques