Silva rushed back to Brazil from the 2011 Pan American Games here last week, after allegations - published in Veja magazine - that he aimed to embezzle as much as $23 million (£14.6 million/€16.7 million) for himself and his Communist party over eight years by awarding fraudulent Government contracts for a number of projects, including one that promotes sport for poor children.

The Sports Minister has denied all accusations and is set for showdown talks with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to discuss the escalating problem.

The situation could have major repercussions for the FIFA 2014 World Cup and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games - all of which Brazil are hosting - because Silva is the Government's lead official on the projects.

But Nuzman said his Organising Committee will not let the issue disrupt their hard work.

"I have a great relationship with Orlando Silva and I am very hopeful this issue can be solved and that he can carry on in his role," Nuzman told insidethegames here.

"I hope they can solve this as soon as possible.

"But we cannot stop and watch this situation.

"We must carry on with our preparations and the minister of sport has a fantastic team that we are continuing to work with.

"We are also continuing to work with all our other partners who are involved in Rio 2016, so nothing changes for us and this will not stop our momentum.

"Our momentum is good and it will continue.

"The country is in a very good state, as we now have a very strong economic and social position in the world that is continuing to grow.

"This will help very much with hosting the 2016 Games, so nothing stops, despite this issue going on."


During a hearing in the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil's capital, Brasília, in front of the Financial Oversight and Control and Tourism and Sports Commissions, Silva (pictured) gave an impassioned defence for himself in a testimony that lasted more than three hours.

"It is a serious matter when a weekly news magazine makes charges like these, but does not present any proof," he said.

"I have made my bank statements and telephone records available to the authorities."

Meanwhile, the Brazilian President has promised not to make any knee-jerk reactions to get rid of Silva.

"It's important to assume people's innocence," said Rousseff, who is currently in Africa, but set to return to Brazil shortly.

"I will look at this with immense calm and take a position to preserve not only the Government, but also the interests of the country.

"The Government won't judge anybody prematurely."

Silva was appointed Sports Minister by former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2006.

He is the only Minister from Brazil's Communist Party in Rousseff's Coalition Party and kept his position when Rousseff came to power at the start of the year largely because of his heavy involvement in, and knowledge of, the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Games.


Communist supporters suggest the allegations against Silva are part of a conspiracy by the Coalition Party to take control of the Sports Ministry because of the huge clout it has gained from the two global sporting events - but Rousseff (pictured) denied such suggestions.

"My Government respects the Communist Party of Brazil and thinks it has leaders absolutely important to the country," she said.

The scandal is an unwelcome one for Rousseff.

Since she came to power in January, four senior Ministers have resigned or been sacked after being accused of corruption, although all have denied any wrongdoing.

Contact the writer of this article at [email protected]


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