Blatter awards hosts 9.25 mark

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil got 9.25 out of 10 from FIFA president Sepp Blatter for organizing a World Cup that was “very special” because of high quality football.

Giving his tournament report on Monday, Blatter also criticized FIFA for not better tackling incidents of fan discrimination in stadiums.  

Blatter said he spoke with Russia President Vladimir Putin at Sunday’s final about making the issue a priority at the 2018 World Cup there.

That tournament will be the third straight involving a huge building project of stadiums and public works in one of the BRICS group of emerging nations.  (AP)