For most Brazilians, the FIFA world cup is an unwanted distraction. A country as obsessed with football as India is about cricket, is seeing widespread protests against the once-in-four-years carnival. For some, this comes as a surprise but dig a little deeper and the ugly truth seeps through. Human condition eclipses love for any sport - even football.
According to a recent survey, only 48 percent Brazilians want the World Cup in their country. The common refrain of the protesters is that the need for hospitals and schools in a poverty-stricken country is far greater than a sports event.
According to some estimates, the cost of the world cup is close to $12 billion. For critics, this expenditure outweighs any gains the government is hoping for through increased tourism.
Many of the construction firms are accused of having links with politicians and some have allegedly contributed huge sums to the funds of various political parties. Add to this reports of several stadiums still being in shambles and the dark picture is complete.
All this comes as deja vu for us Indians, as four years ago we faced a similar situation when India hosted the Commonwealth Games. Interestingly, in February this year, the Anti-Corruption Bureau lodged its first FIR in the CWG scam case.
When the Games were held, there were wide-scale reports of corruption and various sting operations and exposes in the media highlighted the poor preparation of the stadiums and other infrastructure built especially for the games at huge costs.
Allegations related to procurement of items at inflated rates were rife in the run-up to the Games.
The Shunglu Committee found procedural violations by then Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna and chief minister Sheila Dikshit for alleged inadequacies in executing certain projects related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Similarly in Brazil, auditors have found instances of inflation of costs which have resulted in extra expenditure of hundreds of dollars. Some reports say that the final estimate for as much as one-third of the stadium costs could be attributed to overpricing.
There are more than a dozen separate investigations into these allegations but officials admit that no individuals or companies as of yet face legal action. In fact, there could be many years before there is any definitive action as the probes will have to be first scrutinised by civil courts before criminal cases are filed.
The price of building and renovating the 12 arenas has increased by nearly four times, making it the most expensive World Cup of all time.
Safe to say Brazil is facing its Delhi CWG moment, and the only thing that can make the pain better - if not alleviate it completely - is if the host nation lifts the coveted trophy.
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