Ministry of Sports to avoid contracts with NGOs

The downfall of minister of Sports, Orland Silva, and investigations
of his predecessor, Agnelo Queiroz, now the governor of the Federal
District, stem from questionable relations, in the form of service
contracts, between the ministry and non-governmental organizations for
the execution of ministerial programs. Money disappeared (“desvios de
verbas”), going to NGOs with links to the minister’s political party,
the PCdoB.

The new minister of Sports, Aldo Rebelo (PcdoB-SP), in his first
comments following his appointment, declared that he will avoid
contracts with NGOs.

Rebelo is also expected make many personnel changes in the ministry,
where aides to the former minister are accused of being involved in the
embezzlement scheme. However, Rebelo made it clear that the changes were
not because anyone was considered guilty of criminal activities.
“Changes do not mean that anyone is being condemned. Investigations will
continue and the ministry will cooperate,” he declared.

Rebelo denied receiving campaign contributions from companies with
commercial contracts with the Brazilian Soccer Federation (“CBF”) and
added that they would not affect his work at the Ministry of Sports,
anyway.

He concluded by saying that he would be independent in his relations
with FIFA, the International Soccer Association, that will hold the
World Soccer Cup in Brazil in 2014, and intends to defend the General
Law of the Cup and other interests of the Brazilian government.