FIFA to Ban Smoking in Confederations and World Cups Venues in Brazil

FIFA to Ban Smoking in Confederations and World Cups Venues in Brazil

Smoking will be prohibited during the Confederations Cup football matches in June, 2013, and the World Cup in 2014 - both to be held in Brazil, FIFA announced Thursday.

The ban was announced by FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke during an inspection visit to Brazil.

“ We acknowledge that the use of tobacco can harm people in the stadium,” he said, adding that “It will not be permitted to smoke inside the stadiums at the Confederations Cup or at the World Cup." The FIFA Chief pointed out that smokers will have specially-designated areas where they can go during the breaks.

Any type of advertising or tobacco-promoting material will be prohibited in the stadiums, FIFA said on its Web site WHQ.