Brazil 2014: "The World Cup pays for itself and is profitable" (Aldo Rebelo, Sports Minister)

"The World Cup pays for itself, is profitable and generates wealth that will help to resolve secular and structural problems in Brazilian society," said Aldo Rebelo, Sports Minister of Brazil, on 14/02/2014.

"Since Brazil was selected (as host country) in 2007, the World Cup has had a budget ceiling of 33 billion reais (€10b). Independent consultancies estimate that an additional 112 billion reais (€34.2b) will circulate in the Brazilian economy between 2010 and 2014. Some 3.6 million jobs will be created and the population will earn extra income of 63.48 billion reais (€19.4b)" added the minister in the "FIFA Weekly" magazine.

Rebelo believes that although the World Cup will only last one month (from 12/06 to 13/07/2014), it is not an expenditure that has no chance of being paid back. Brazilians will continue to enjoy for many years the infrastructure (airports, roads, bridges), security measures and telecommunications. As for the money transferred by the Brazilian Development Bank for the renovation and construction of stadiums, it "will be paid back, as with any loan," said Rebelo.