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Friday Kickoff: FIFA backs World Cup security plan, Sounders re-sign two and more

By FRANCO PANIZO

Concern and fear were raised about security at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil earlier this week when violence marred the Copa Sudamericana final, but FIFA is saying that everything should be fine when the international tournament rolls around in 18 months.

Two days after Tigre players accused Sau Paulo security officials of beating them with batons and threatening them with guns, FIFA has insisted its security plan for the 2014 World Cup will prevent any repeat of those type of violent scenes. The governing body issued a statement saying next year’s Confederations Cup and the World Cup will have “a comprehensive security concept for the stadiums” and that that concept would be reviewed by “FIFA security experts”.

FIFA also has plans to train and certify approximately 30,000 security officers to work during the Confederations Cup and World Cup tournaments.

“The FIFA Confederations Cup will be the first football competition in Brazil to use mainly private stewards for safety and spectator services as it is already a standard procedure in many countries around the world,” FIFA said in the statement.

Here are more stories from around the world of soccer:

SOUNDERS RE-SIGN HURTADO, IANNI

The Seattle Sounders may have dealt away centerback Jeff Parke, but it looks as if he might be the only defender to leave the club this offseason. The Sounders announced late on Thursday that they re-signed defenders Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Patrick Ianni.

“We are very excited about bringing back Patrick and Jhon again next season,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said in a statement released by the club. “Both players have been with us since the start and it was important for us to keep continuity and consistency along a successful back line.”

Per MLS and club policy, details of the deals were not disclosed.

LAMPARD’S TIME WITH CHELSEA COMING TO A CLOSE

It appears Frank Lampard may soon be playing for a new club. Set to be a free agent this summer, Lampard has stated Chelsea is not discussing a new contract with him or his agent. The long-time Chelsea midfielder has been rumored to make a move to MLS, but his preferred choice would be to stick around with Premiership heavyweights

PARK TO MISS QPR-FULHAM CLASH WITH KNEE INJURY

Queens Park Rangers will be without Park Ji-sung for Saturday’s clash with west London rivals Fulham, as the South Korean has been ruled out due to injury. The South Korean is currently dealing with a knee knock and is expected to be shelved for a few weeks. He joins former Fulham strikers Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora as players who will be forced to spectate this weekend because of injury.

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Are you concerned over security at the 2014 World Cup? Glad to see the Sounders re-sign Hurtado and Ianni? Where do you see Lampard landing next summer?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I will definitely be in Brazil for the World Cup. But I would be lying if didn’t have some concerns. Can you imagine being in a stadium where Brazil loses? Hell I wouldn’t even want to be in the same city. I’m just hoping the USMNT will be playing anywhere but Sao Paulo

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  2. hmm…

    Tigres was losing 2×0, literally attacking Sao Paulo players on the field (out of frustration/embarassment), then try to force their way into the opponent’s locker room.

    There is no evidence that guns were drawn but security must push back forcefully in these situations.

    There is no amount of national team rivalry that can duplicate the mutual hatred and/or disdain by Argentine and Brazilian clubs. Not even a World Cup final btw Brazil and Argentina would produce such emotions.

    But I do hope this type of publicity discourages people from attending the World Cup in Brazil because it’ll increase my chances of getting a ticket! 🙂 The confederation cup ticket demand alone in the first 24 hrs broke all time records…

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  3. Was planning on going to the 2014 WC for the longest time but starting to have second thoughts. Problem is Russia and Qatar aren’t any more appealing so it could be quite a while before I can attend a world cup.

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  4. I doubt any world cup teams will try to invade the lockerroom of their opponents, seems like Tigre was just as much to blame as anyone.

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    • But that aspect is what is being debated right now. It’s a “he said, she said” thing going on, and neither side has proof. Me personally, I read the quotes from Sau Paulo, and I don’t buy it. They provided no rationale for why Tigre would even try to get into the opposing teams locker room; on the other hand, Tigre explanation of how the fight started in their locker room made sense.

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    • As someone who has been to the last two World Cups, and is going to Brazil, I must say this idea sucks. The World Cup is a great opportunuity to see new places. That’s one of the best parts of going to the World Cup. I know you were being facetious, but still the idea of putting it in the USA every time is just boring.

      Reply

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