TEMPO.CO, Rio de Janeiro - Sepp Blatter denied allegations that FIFA has been racking off the host of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil. Brazilians have accused FIFA of causing misery to Brazil's economy from spending a lot of money to host the quadrennial tournament.

Blatter insisted that FIFA always focuses on ensuring that the tournament does not become a burden to the host. Blatter just wanted to be certain that next year's World Cup will be a success, doing so by making a thorough investment in Brazil's football facilities.

"The aim of FIFA is not to take profit out of the country but to put into the country the necessary means and with other actions to make sure that this World Cup is a success," Blatter said as quoted by ESPN, Saturday, June 29.

Brazil is spending 28 billion Brazilian real (US$12.9 billion) to fund the 2014 World Cup. Under the government of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the initial budget proposal only amounted to 25.5 billion Brazilian real ($11.4 billion), for stadiums, urban transportation, improvements in ports and airports.

Brazilians were angered b the amount of money their country must spend. The people marched to the streets to protest the cutting of government budget--which should be used for public purposes.

But Blatter insisted that all Brazilians must work together for the future legacy of the 2014 World Cup. Blatter is confident that the Brazilian government's investment will be paid off, soon after the 2014 World Cup finishes.

"We have to work together to have a legacy for this World Cup, not only the stadia but a legacy for the environment and for the social part. For FIFA it is essential to have a successful World Cup because it’s practically the only income of FIFA--90 to 95 percent--to develop the game around the world," Blatter said.

ESPN | KHAIRUL ANAM