Protests bring postpone to World Cup ticket price announcement

World Cup organisers had earmarked Monday for the announcement about ticket prices for next year's tournament but have now postponed the press conference in Rio de Janeiro until later in July after protests continued in the aftermath of Brazil's 3-0 Confederations Cup final triumph over Spain.

Brazilians have been demonstrating in huge numbers throughout the Confederations Cup as they question the amount being spent on hosting the World Cup, money which many feel could be better used elsewhere to improve the country's infrastructure.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted next year's World Cup would be "outstanding'', despite the series of violent clashes between police and protesters, including the firing of tear gas and rubber bullets outside the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Blatter told a news conference: "Thanks to all those who have helped to make this competition such a success, despite the unrest and protests.

"I am happy to come to the conclusion now, with the sporting results and also - with at least the impression that - the social unrest is now resting. I don't know how long but it is now resting.

"I am sure that we will have a wonderful World Cup next year. When you have the World Cup and the Olympic Games you can never make everybody happy. We tried to make everyone happy.''

Jose Maria Marin, president of the Brazilian football confederation, condemned those who have used violence as part of their protests, saying: "Any peaceful demonstration must be respected ... it is part of democracy. I will not accept robbery and violence and mobs - nobody wants this kind of thing.''


/Espn.Com/