Brazil 2014 World Cup Fears Raised as Soccerex Conference Cancelled

Global football conference Soccerex in Rio has been cancelled for disputed reasons, raising more fears over Brazil’s capability to host the World Cup next year.

Organisers of the event said Rio de Janeiro’s state government had cancelled next month’s conference, which features key members of the football community, because of “ongoing civil unrest.”

The government has denied these claims and said that a funding issue for the event, which was to be held at the iconic Maracana Stadium, was to blame for the cancellation.

An official statement from Soccerex read: “It is with great disappointment that we must confirm that the final Soccerex Global Convention in Brazil will now not be taking place. With the ongoing civil unrest, the Rio de Janeiro State Secretary of Sport took the political decision to withdraw their support from the Soccerex Global Convention.

“To be summarily cancelled in such a cavalier fashion, having hosted 33 events over 5 continents is extremely frustrating but nevertheless it has happened and is in contravention of all of the contractual obligations of the Rio State Government, who have been notified of our intention to instigate legal proceedings for substantial compensation.”

Apology

Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie added: “On behalf of all at Soccerex, I would like to apologize to every business, football club, league, federation and media organisation affected by this news.

“This unique and cruel conclusion to our time in Rio was completely out of our hands and everyone who has attended a Soccerex event over the last 18 years will know this is not how we do business.”

Dispute

However these comments are disputed by the government who said the event had failed to raise sufficient private funds to cover the cost the conference’s cost.

A statement from the state government said: “The state guarantees the security of multiple events, including New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach, carnival, and the World Cup.

“The government of Rio de Janeiro encouraged the organisers to seek cultural and sports incentives [funding] and they failed to do so. Soccerex were advised to seek funding to host the event so that the state would not have to use public money."