Press release

FCO Minister visits Sao Paulo and Miami ahead of the World Cup

Minister Mark Simmonds visits Sao Paulo and Miami to promote the Be On The Ball campaign, preparing fans for the World Cup.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

To promote the Be On The Ball campaign, a travel safety campaign for fans heading to the World Cup, the Minister will visit the stadium in Sao Paolo where England will take on Uruguay. He will also visit Miami to deliver key messages on enjoying a safe World Cup to support England fans, many in Miami for the England vs. Ecuador match.

The Minister will see for himself the experience fans will have in Sao Paulo when England play Uruguay on 19 June. He will tour the FIFA Fan Fest site and the stadium where England will play. He will also meet key World Cup partners and discuss Sao Paulo’s preparations at a meeting with the city’s Deputy Mayor.

In Miami, the Minister will meet staff from the Fans’ Embassy and see the Fans’ Embassy in action, before the England vs. Ecuador game. The Fans’ Embassies are run by the Football Supporters’ Federation, and are meeting, information and help points for England fans attending World Cup and pre-World cup matches.

The Minister will also meet the US Coast Guard to discuss joint UK-US Coast Guard counter-drugs operations.

Ahead of the visit Mr. Simmonds said:

I am looking forward to an exciting World Cup in Brazil, and to experiencing the fan’s journey first-hand in Sao Paulo and Miami. My priority is to ensure the safety and security of those travelling to the tournament.

It is crucial that fans do their research before they arrange flights to Brazil and, importantly, their onward travel within the country. There are some distinct challenges, notably the vast distances between venues, so I urge fans to prepare for these.

I wish England good luck.

Further information

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Published 3 June 2014