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FIFA urges Brazil to pass World Cup legislation

"Either we do [the World Cup] together or we will never manage it," said Valcke, pointing out that Brazil had first been asked to pass the legislation in 2007 when it was awarded the right to host the tournament.

Brazil's Congress must agree to implement a number of special rules in the so-called World Cup law, covering matters ranging from the price of tickets to penalties for selling pirate merchandise and the sale of alcohol in stadiums.

Some Congressmen have already dug in their heels, threatening to delay the bill's approval and adding to concerns over Brazil's lagging preparations for the global showpiece.

Former Brazil striker Romario, himself now a Congressman, is one of the most outspoken critics, saying the law would trample on the country's sovereignty.

Valcke said Brazil was aware of FIFA's conditions when it signed up to host the tournament and said similar requirements were made of recent hosts including Germany in 2006 and South Africa in 2010.

"We haven't changed a word of what was accepted and what was asked for by FIFA in 2007 so that Brazil would host this World Cup," Valcke told a parliamentary commission scrutinising the 40-page draft law before it is put to a plenary vote.

In one concession to Brazil's concerns, Valcke said FIFA would offer a limited number of cut-price tickets for around $25 each after President Dilma Rousseff told him that Brazil would not scrap half-price ticket rights for pensioners.

The law would allow only FIFA sponsors' beverages to be sold and prohibit advertising by sponsors' competitors near stadiums.

The World Cup law had been expected to be voted on in 2011 but Brazil's sports ministry said on Tuesday it would not happen until next year after a decision to hold up to 20 more debates on it.

Next to Valcke was Ricardo Teixeira, the controversial head of Brazil's football confederation and front man for its World Cup preparations who said little during more than three hours of debate.