News Directory

Cancel Lula Watch Final Action

Pretoria - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he would not attend the World Cup finals in South Africa. Last Friday she said she had to go home to deal with flood recovery in the region northeast of the country.

"I've been away for eight days, and there are many serious problems in Brazil," Lula said to reporters after meeting with President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma.

"We've had floods in the northeastern states, and I have to go back," he added.

Lula said this Saturday he will have breakfast with the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter before going home.

More than 50 people were killed in floods in northeastern Brazil last month. But Lula told Brazilian media does not want menonon final action after the state removed the Netherlands against Spain on Sunday.

Brazilian media reported, when asked about kemunkinan he attended the final game, Lula said "not me or you."

President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma said he understood the decision.

"I invite my brother was here for (see game) final, but he has to explain why he can not. I must say that in the same position I would do the same thing," said Zuma.

Lula was in South Africa as part of a series of six-nation African tour aimed at improving the country's influence in the continent. (AFP)