Brazil's key World Cup law in spotlight

Sunday afternoon and all is set for the big football derby match in Brazil.

The strong stance from Fifa has raised hackles in Brazil and provoked complaints the governing body is meddling in the country's laws and even its sovereignty.



Critics argue that the only beneficiaries of lifting the alcohol ban would be Fifa and its sponsors, among them brewer Anheuser-Busch.

"Fifa wants to have powers in Brazil which it is not entitled to, as a private company," says Romario, who was part of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team.



The former striker, who is now a federal congressman, has been one of the most vocal critics of Fifa and the 2014 Organising Committee.



Ticket prices have also proved a sore point, as under the agreement Fifa sets the prices but usually students and senior citizens pay half price to attend games.



While no politician has come out publicly in defence of Fifa's demands, legislators and government officials know that the pressure is on.



The worst-case, if highly improbable scenario, would be for Fifa to decide to move the World Cup elsewhere.



That would be a devastating outcome for Brazil, where people are eager for their country to host its first World Cup in 64 years.



After all the wrangling, it seems likely that Fifa will get its way on alcohol sales and other matters.



The Brazilian side has already agreed to lift the beer ban - as long as it is sold in paper cups - and to cover any financial losses in the case of natural disasters or terrorist attacks.



Amid the battle between political and commercial interests, there has been little discussion of whether the alcohol prohibition has actually reduced football violence.



But proposals by some Brazilian politicians to lift the ban permanently were quashed.



So once the 2014 World Cup is over, football stadiums will be continue to be alcohol-free, just as now.