BRASILIA, Brazil – Congressmen seeking to open an investigation into corruption allegations surrounding the 2014 World Cup have not obtained enough votes from their colleagues to start an inquiry.
The congressmen were trying to investigate alleged irregularities involving the use of public funds in the country's preparations for next year's tournament.
The leading senator pushing for the probe said that government pressure kept many congressmen from signing the petition calling for the inquiry. Izalci Ferreira said he had gathered signatures from more than 200 congressmen, enough to have the investigation approved, but many backtracked when the official request was about to be made.
Ferreira said Wednesday through his press office that he will continue to push for the investigation despite the setback.
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