| SÃO PAULO—The world's rich countries are showing prejudice when they question Brazil and other developing countries' ability to successfully organize big sporting events, Brazil's deputy sports minister said Wednesday. "There are sectors in society in general that have prejudice with respect to the capacity of developing countries in general to deliver major achievements at global sporting events, which question the capacity of those countries to deliver those types of events," Brazil's Deputy Sports Minister Luis Fernandes said during a conference call with reporters. Foreign and Brazilian news media have, for months, reported delays in the construction of stadiums and other projects related to the soccer World Cup Championship. The media also have decried transportation worker and police strikes and questioned the safety of visitors to many parts of the country. The World Cup starts in São Paulo on June 12. Mr. Fernandes said, of the media's criticism, "it's not a question of a media campaign; it's a prejudice that exists." Mr. Fernandes said Brazil is ready for the monthlong tournament and that he is confident the world will be surprised by the country's ability to host the event successfully. He echoed statements by other Brazilian officials who guaranteed the safety of Cup-goers. The deputy minister also defended government spending, saying the average cost of building or renovating the 12 stadiums that will host games is in line with the cost of previous World Cups. Many of the projects being built for the Cup, especially related to public transportation, will continue to improve the lives of residents of the host cities long after the event is over, he said, including the projects that won't be finished in time for the tournament. The high price tag for the Cup and the shoddy state of government services, including education and health, have been the subject of criticisms as well, especially by Brazilians, who have taken to the streets in protest multiple times over the past year. |