BERLIN, Jan 18: FIFA have agreed to pay 1.0 million euros ($1.21 million) for a party in Berlin to mark the start of the World Cup and replace the lavish opening galathey cancelled last week.

Soccer’s world governing body had agreed to pay the money after talks with Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit on Tuesday, the city said in a statement.

“Now we begin the planning on a sound footing,” Wowereit said. “Berlin, as a good host, will welcome the international football family on June 7.”

The party is to be held at the Brandenburg Gate, which used to separate the eastern and western parts of the city and where around a million people typically gather for New Year celebrations.

Despite its backing, FIFA will not be involved in the preparations for the event and will not be officially present.

FIFA abruptly cancelled a planned World Cup opening gala in Berlin last week, just five months before the tournament begins, saying the extravaganza could seriously damage the Olympic Stadium’s playing surface.

The gala was due to take place on June 7, two days before the World Cup kicks off, with the first match at the stadium scheduled on June 13 between world champions Brazil and Croatia.

German media and politicians have speculated that rising costs beyond the planned 25 million euros ($30.23 million) event, poor ticket sales or artistic differences were really behind FIFA pulling the plug on the 90 minute show.

The tournament’s artistic director, Austrian Andre Heller looks set to host a much shorter version of the gala before the first game in Munich on June 9.—Reuters