FIFA meets with Brazilian officials

BRASILIA, Brazil, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The leader of the soccer governing board called a meeting of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil "a very good start for 2012."

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke said the meeting of the Local Organizing Committee Thursday, which was also attended by Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo, was "a very good start for 2012."

"I definitely hope that the minister of sport will be part of all the board meetings until 2014 because such an exchange of information on that high level is crucial for all parties involved and very beneficial," he said.

Rebelo said he has "re-assured the FIFA delegation that the FIFA World Cup in Brazil will be a success."

Rebelo said Brazilian officials believe the country's Congress will be ready to vote on a World Cup bill by March.

Valcke has previously said the bill should include a guarantee that beer can be served at all venues hosting World Cup matches, the BBC reported. Brazil banned consumption of alcoholic beverages at sports facilities in 2003 as part of an effort to decrease violent incidents among soccer fans. The country's health minister has called for the ban to be upheld for the World Cup.