SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s sports minister says the government remains committed to approving the sale of alcohol inside World Cup stadiums even though Congress is divided on the issue.
Aldo Rebelo’s statement late Wednesday came 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 the text could be removed because Brazil didn’t really make a commitment to FIFA to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. But Rebelo’s statement on Thursday said otherwise, reassuring FIFA that the government will not backtrack on the issue.
