Lawmakers pass key World Cup bill in Porto Alegre

Associated Press

SAO PAULO (AP) — Lawmakers have approved a bill that World Cup organizers say is needed to allow the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre take part in hosting the tournament.

Tuesday's approval came a day after Mayor Jose Fortunati said the city was in danger of being excluded because of the delay in the vote.

The bill authorizes tax exemptions for companies interested in funding the facilities, which are needed in all 12 host cities to accommodate the media, sponsors and technical teams.

The stadium owner, Brazilian club Internacional, now needs to find the companies to pay for the structures.

FIFA wanted a solution soon because it can take up to three months to put the structures in place. The first match in Porto Alegre is France vs. Honduras on June 15.