Civil servants in Brazil will not have to worry about being late for work during the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as the government has made changes to office hours. Minister of management Esther Dweck has announced that civil servants can report for duty up to two hours after the final whistle of Brazil’s group stage matches, which are being broadcast in the early hours of the morning in Brazil. An ordinance states that on days when the games are held at 7:30 am, working hours will start at 11 a.m. Brasilia time, and on days when the games are held at 8:00 a.m., working hours will start at 12:00 p.m. Brasilia time.
Despite winning a record eight Copa America Femenina titles, Brazil’s best finish at a Women’s World Cup was in 2007 when they lost to Germany in the final. However, they are hoping to change that in the upcoming tournament. Brazil is placed in Group F and will begin their campaign on Monday against Panama in Adelaide. They will then face France in Brisbane and Jamaica in Melbourne.
The changes to office hours will allow civil servants to fully enjoy and support the Brazilian women’s national team during the World Cup. This decision reflects the importance of the tournament and the government’s support for women’s football in Brazil.
