LONDON: Brazil’s congressmen may have moved closer to approval of the so-called 2014 ‘World Cup Law’ but FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke remains as impatient as ever with the grindingly slow progress writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

Arriving in London for today’s annual meeting of the law-making International Football Association Board, Valcke left no room for doubt about his desire to see a significant change of pace.

Valcke’s monthly blogs about his progress-chasing visits to Brazil have been polite and diplomatic but have barely hidden his increasing sense of frustration and impatience.

He said: “The big issue we have in Brazil is that not a lot is moving. I don’t understand why things are not moving. The stadiums are not any more on schedule and why are a lot of things late?

“In 2014 we will have a World Cup. The concern is nothing is made or prepared to receive so many people because the world wants to go to Brazil. I am sorry to say, but things are not working in Brazil.

“What is the World Cup for Brazil, to organize the World Cup or win the World Cup?

“I think it’s to win the World Cup. I’m not sure it’s about organizing the World Cup. You should think about South Africa, it was to organize the World Cup, not to win the World Cup.”

Referring to the  “endless discussions” about the World Cup Law and the need for “a kick up the backside,” he said: “You expect more support. “We should have received these documents signed by 2007 and we are in 2012.”

Twelve cities are scheduled to host at least four matches each which has always raised concerns about travel in a country with no inter-city rail system and an inadequate airport capacity.

In addition, major doubts remain over the credibility of its sports administration with the shadow of corruption allegations hanging over football supremo Ricardo Ricardo and the enforced resignations of a string of senior government leaders.