Iolando Lourenço        Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – According to the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Marco Maia (PT-RS), the Lei Geral da Copa was finally approved because of three forces that came together in cooperation and a united effort: the opposition, the allied base and the government.

As for what has become the most controversial part of the law, Maia explained that as approved the bill “does not liberate or prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in stadiums during the games. The issue will be decided by the states. What we approved gives states the right to liberate drinking in stadiums,” was the way Maia described the result.

Vicente Cândida (PT-SP), who wrote the text of the bill (“relator”), put it this way: approval of the bill suspends provisions in the Soccer Fan Statute that prohibit alcoholic beverages in stadiums (Article 13), while liberating the sale of alcoholic beverages in stadiums in states where there is no law prohibiting it, as well as in states where there are no formal agreements with legal authorities (“Ministério Público”) prohibiting it.

“Where there is no prohibition, alcoholic beverages are liberated. Where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in soccer stadiums, the International Soccer Association (FIFA) is authorized to negotiate. There are five states where alcoholic beverages are prohibited in soccer stadiums and a couple of other states where there are informal understandings with legal authorities prohibiting the sale during games. All this is subject to discussion and revision. I don’t think there will be any problems,” said the relator.

 He added that the final text was not a victory for anyone, for FIFA, the government or the Congress.

“It was a mediation (‘mediação’). The result is that governors in states that have prohibitions will have to ask legislative assemblies to approve a suspension during World Soccer Cup games,” concluded Cândido.

The sale of alcoholic beverages during World Cup soccer games is considered one of  FIFA’s “commercial rights.” Besides recognizing FIFA commercial rights, the bill approved yesterday also establishes temporary privileges for FIFA and its associates in Brazil during the period of the World Cup (for example, there will be an exclusive commercial area of  two kilometers around stadiums).

However, contrary to what FIFA has said it wants, discounted tickets will be available for senior citizens, students and the handicapped. The bill establishes that 10% of tickets to games Brazil plays will be so-called “type 4,” that is, with discounts, and that discounted tickets will be available for other games as well.

The bill now goes to the Senate. 

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English – content modified

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