ZURICH: FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants a ‘summit’ meeting with Brazil’s stand-0ff President Dilma Rousseff over the country’s controversially slow preparations for the World Cup finals in 2014.

Blatter, like secretary-general Jerome Valcke a day earlier, has used the excuse of an apology for the manner of Valcke’s weekend broadside, to ramp up the pressure on the Brazilians who have yet to approve the essential World Cup Law.

Rousseff has notably tried to roll back on the promises and guarantees made to FIFA, on behalf of Brazil, by presidential predecessor Lula. She appears to have done nothing to assist in resolving the parliamentary deadlock and has distanced herself from football leaders in Brazil, notably controversial CBF president Ricardo Teixeira.

Blatter, in a follow-up letter to Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo after Valcke’s earlier missive, said: “Brazil deserves to host the World Cup and the entire world is looking forward to it. However, the sands of time have been running since 2007. Therefore, let us not waste time on entrenching our positions. Let us instead build something great together, as promised by President Lula during his presidency.

“I will be travelling in Asia in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal until 10 March, and afterwards I would like to meet President Rousseff and yourself as soon as possible – ideally next week.

“I trust in your understanding and willingness to arrange such a meeting. Furthermore, I would like to convey to you my utmost respect and also kindly request you to send President Dilma my very best wishes.”