Workers at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro with food poisoning

World Football Strange but True: Maracanã Workers Stricken with Food Poisoning

First it was FIFA. Now it's food poisoning.

Are the football gods angry with Brazil?

You could seriously (only somewhat, though, considering those five World Cup titles) make the case.

Nearly 140 workers renovating Maracanã Stadium for the 2014 World Cup went to hospital because of food poisoning this week.

The construction companies renovating the famed stadium said on Thursday the workers suffered diarrhea and vomiting after a meal on Tuesday. They were treated for dehydration in local hospitals and were released on the same day.

The companies said in a statement that sanitary officials were at the construction site after the incident and approved hygiene conditions for workers.

Local media said the workers got sick after eating a bad salad.

Maracanã will host seven World Cup matches, including the final.

Nonetheless, that must have been one seriously nasty salad.

Eagle-eyed readers will remember that FIFA recently had words with Brazil over preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

The word of choice was "disarray," and FIFA's secretary general said Brazil needed a "kick up the backside."

FIFA later played down those reports, but in light of Saladgate, maybe they should step in once and for all.

Renovations of the Maracanã Stadium should be finished in time for the 2014 World Cup. 

Source: Bleacher Report