The Latest In The Confed Cup Protests

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff recorded a speech for television promising reforms, mainly in public transport and national health, and the use of oil royalties to fund education. As far as soccer is concerned, the BBC's Ben Smith tweeted that Friday's Brazilian newspapers are focusing on the World-Cup-to-USA scenario, and Smith later wrote that FIFA denies rumors the current tournament will be canceled. Italy also denied they would be leaving, although they are staying inside their hotel rooms. ESPN's Roger Bennett tweeted a 2.5k "Ring of Safety" is being set up by police around the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, where Brazil will face Italy today. Also, Ben Smith tweeted this picture in downtown Salvador.

In downtown Salvador. Graffiti reads 'peace, health, education, free bus pass, f*** the World Cup' pic.twitter.com/bfIlmlrYZQ
— Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) June 21, 2013