Brazil seeks United Nations help in World Cup preparations

Brazi, host of the 2014 World Cup, is known for having some of the most boisterous sports fans in the world.

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World Cup organizers in Brazil say they have signed a $17 million deal with the United Nations to help in preparations to host the tournament.

Claudio Monteiro, the head of World Cup preparations in Brasilia, says the capital's organizing committee signed the deal with the U.N. Development Program this week.

Brasilia will host the opening match of the Confederations Cup on June 15, and Monteiro says the stadium will be ready by an April 21 deadline.

The U.N. will provide temporary structures outside the stadium housing support services. The U.N. will also furnish some security services.

Monteiro says the U.N.'s expertise in hosting big events is the reason they were sought out.

Local organizers in Brazil have come under heat from FIFA and others for delays in preparations.