A controversial evangelical pastor’s nomination as Brazil’s new sports minister came under fire on Tuesday, a year and a half before Rio de Janeiro stages South America’s first Olympics.
George Hilton, a preacher with the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, replaced Aldo Rebelo, who oversaw preparations for the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
Members of the Athletes of Brazil organization, including national soccer coach Dunga and players Kaka and Cafu, have protested the choice of Hilton, a member of a small conservative party within Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff’s broad coalition.
Photo: Reuters
Hilton, who is to oversee the organization of the Rio Olympics next year, was arrested eight years ago in possession of about US$220,000 in banknotes.
The cash allegedly comprised donations from his congregation and he was expelled from his former party after the arrest.
Rebelo was posted to serve as science and technology minister for Rousseff’s second term starting today.
Volleyball coach Bernardinho and Olympic volleyball medalist Ana Moser joined the growing storm of criticism against Hilton.
The sports non-governmental organization Athletes for Brazil criticized the choice of Hilton as “based purely on political criteria,” but the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) expressed “confidence” in Hilton’s suitability for the job.
“We shall await his actions to criticize or not,” incoming CBF president Marco Polo del Nero said.
Hilton has never put forward sports-related motions in seven years in the Brazilian Congress, according to Brazilian media.
However, he called the protests against his choice “unfair and disloyal.”
“I am honored to be invited to take the post,” Hilton said, adding he was “motivated to improve sports in our country,” starting from the grassroots.
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