Rio de Janeiro, Dec 3 (IANS) Authorities in Brazil have stepped up security ahead of Friday’s FIFA 2014 World Cup draw.
World football’s governing body FIFA fears a repeat of the often violent anti-government protests that swept the South American nation during the Confederations Cup in June, Xinhua cited from Estado de Sao Paulo.
The event will take place at the Costa Sauipe resort, about 80 km north of the city of Salvador in Brazil’s northeast.
Dozens of federal, military and civil police are already on guard at the complex where the event will take place.
Representatives of the Bahia state government alone will be shadowed by 800 police officers during the event.
“In every event you have to prepare for everything,” local World Cup organizing committee director Saint Clair Milesi said.
“Security comes first even though protests have to be respected because they are a part of democracy. But the right of people to come and go has to be preserved too.
“We have confidence in the security forces that will be involved.”
Salvador was home to some of the most violent rallies during the Confederations Cup.
The hotel accommodating FIFA officials was almost invaded by protesters while a parked bus belonging to the entity was attacked with stones.
Friday’s event will include 1,300 invited guests and 2,000 journalists from around the world, according to FIFA.
The World Cup will be held in 12 Brazilian cities, starting at Sao Paulo’s Itaquerao stadium June 12 and ending with the final at Rio’s iconic Maracana stadium July 13.