Anti-World Cup Protesters March in Sao Paulo

(ATR) Media reports say several thousand demonstrators from the Homeless Workers’ Movement (MTST) took to the streets to protest World Cup development that has left many Brazilians homeless.

The MTST also established a ramshackle tent city dubbed the "People’s World Cup" camp, located near Sao Paulo’s World Cup venue. Members of the movement have attempted to "claim" the site as their own. Around 2,800 families live in the camp.

Protesters on Thursday turned out en masse, shutting down parts of Sao Paulo’s business district.

Reuters reports people chanted, "I don't want a World Cup in Brazil, I want a roof," while some banners said: "You can send in troops, but if you don't look after the people, there will be no Cup." Other signs said simply: "FIFA, go home."

Click here to see photos of the protests.

On Thursday, the Datafolha polling agency released a poll that found 76 percent of Brazilians believe that the country is not ready to host the World Cup. Forty-five percent of those polled supported the World Cup in Brazil, while 43 percent were opposed.

In the lead up to this summer’s World Cup, protests throughout Brazil have become common. On May 15, anti-government protestors took to the streets throughout Brazil, voicing their anger at government spending related to the World Cup.

Billions have been spent on World Cup development in Brazil. World Bank estimates say that 16 percent of Brazil’s nearly 200 million people live in poverty.

While many of the protests have turned violent, all reports say Thursday night’s march was peaceful.

Written by Ed Hula III

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.