Amid a host of delays and uncertainties regarding the majority of 2014 World Cup projects, Brazil´s federal government has launched a new program aimed at ensuring public funds are well managed and accounted for.
Called ‘Playing Clean’ (Jogando Limpo), the initiative will combat anti-competitive practices amongst companies bidding for 2014 Cup tenders, across all areas of preparation. The program has two main aspects: encouraging and facilitating public involvement in the tender process, including a system for anonymous tip-offs and complaints; and obliging relevant public bodies to ensure the tenders are as transparent as possible.
The new scheme joins other similar initiatives to ensure public funding is kept under close watch, including the Network of Supervision and Control of the 2014 World Cup, which consists of federal, state and city government representatives from specialist departments such as the ‘Tribunals for the Union’s Accounts’ and the Federal Chamber´s ‘Commission for Financial Registration and Control’, all working to develop and maintain a matrix registering all public spending on the event. A key aspect of the Network is an internet portal publishing key details of public investments in the Cup, utilising information supplied by ministers, state and city governments, and sporting bodies.
Although the new transparency initiatives, including the web portal, are only in their early stages, Australian groups interested in Cup projects will benefit from the information provided, which should assist in targeting opportunities and potential partners already involved in ongoing works, as well as in determining timelines.