FIFA apologises to Brazil for \\\'advice\\\' gaffe

RIO DE JANEIRO, Mar 23 (AFP): FIFA performed an embarrassing U-turn on Saturday and apologized, saying it had withdrawn publicity material for the World Cup in Brazil that poked fun at local customs.

Just weeks after sports merchandiser Adidas pulled from the market two shirts which Brazil viewed as sexist, FIFA has now removed material which depicted Brazilians as unpunctual, impatient and even chaotic.

Having regularly complained to Brazil about the slow pace of construction of stadiums for the June-July World Cup-six out of 12 missed FIFA's original December 31 deadline-football's world governing body felt moved to add: "In Brazil, things are largely done last-minute."

FIFA admitted its attempts at humor had backfired.

"The material was light-hearted and at no time was meant to criticize Brazil," a FIFA statement said.

"The objective was to show the laid-back characteristics of the Brazilian people.

"At any rate, we have withdrawn the content from the Internet and apologize if it was interpreted as criticism of the country."

FIFA "advice" for visitors to the World Cup host had offered "10 tips for avoiding any cultural misunderstandings."

They included giving Brazilian friends some leeway when arranging appointments.