Kind words were all it took to get FIFA and Brazil back on the same page. Just two weeks after a public spat raised concerns over the 2014 World Cup, FIFA President Sepp Blatter ended a “short but important visit” to Brazil, easing tensions and re-establishing good rapport with the host country. With a smile on his face, Blatter shook hands with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and gave her a gift — an old framed photo of the duo alongside Pele. In return, Brazilian congressmen took the FIFA official to a traditional Brazilian lunch. The FIFA president left the country saying he was satisfied with the World Cup guarantees given by the local government, while Brazil got some of the respect it had demanded. Both sides said the “constructive” meeting in the nation's capital will help Brazil move forward with the World Cup and the Confederations Cup, which is just more than a year away. Blatter said he and Rousseff were so satisfied they agreed to meet more often in the coming months. Pele, who participated in Friday's meeting as a World Cup ambassador, said the encounter was important to help clear the air between Brazil and football's governing body, putting “misunderstandings” and “mishaps” in the past. Pele said he doesn't mind working as a “firefighter” from now on if needed, saying both sides can “count on him.” Still unsettled is Valcke's role. He was supposed to be the FIFA representative responsible for working closely with the local government, but that was put on hold after Brazil complained of his “unacceptable” remarks. Valcke's inspection visit to Brazil a few days ago was canceled, and FIFA said a decision on rescheduling it would be made only after Blatter met with Rousseff.
