FIFA's Valcke hospitalized in Brazil for kidney infection

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke was hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro for a kidney infection, the hospital confirmed Thursday, dpa reported.

Valcke, who was admitted into Hospital Samaritano late Wednesday, was in stable condition, although no details were given as to when he might be discharged.

FIFA number-two official had arrived in Brazil Tuesday, in a tour to inspect preparations ahead of the Brazil 2014 World Cup and the 2013 Confederations Cup.

He had been scheduled to meet Thursday with Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and withn members of Brazil's World Cup organizing committee in Rio, to evaluate the progress of preparations.

FIFA's marketing director Thierry Weil told reporters that Valcke is fine and his condition is not serious, although he will need to remain in hospital for a further two or three days.

Valcke visited Belo Horizonte Tuesday and Porto Alegre Wednesday. The FIFA official, who caused a spat between FIFA and Brazilian authorities in March, when he said the South American giants needed "a kick up the backside" to speed up World Cup preparations. He appeared more conciliatory this week and praised Brazilian efforts.