Massive security presence outside World Cup final
FIFA isn't taking any chances with its prize event.
The organization and the Brazilian government are taking security to the extreme for the World Cup final at Maracana Stadium, deploying roughly 26,000 local police and Brazilian Armed Forces for Sunday's final between Germany and Argentina, according to the Brazilian Minister of Justice Jose Eduardo Cardozo.
And the authorities are making their presence known.
A perimeter encompasses the entire stadium, extending as far as four blocks, and law enforcement is not permitting ticketless civilians inside the barrier. Scalping – a common staple at major sporting events around the world – is virtually nonexistent due to the heightened security measures.
Additionally, there are six waves of military police lined up at the Maracana metro station, with each row of authorities demanding a ticket be show before entry is permitted. Fans without tickets who wanted to experience the World Cup in person were told to return to the metro.
Any fans gathering outside the stadium have been quickly dispersed by the military police in hope of discouraging mass movement.
This all precludes actually getting to a portal to enter the stadium, which is a process in itself, complete with metal detectors and police canines.
Another 1,500 private safety officials have been designated for the internal stadium security, according to the Brazil government.
"We will maintain the standard of excellence for public safety that we have had since the beginning of the Word Cup," sa Cardozo said.
An incident involving nearly 100 Chilean fans rushing the media center at the stadium during a match between Chile and Spain on June 18 prompted ramped-up security for the remaining games at Maracana Stadium, and surely played a role in the beefed-up measures in place for the final on Sunday.
In total, about 100,000 public safety officials and 50,000 officials from the Brazilian Armed Forces have been deployed throughout the World Cup. Total safety investments for the entire event reached $855 million.
