FIFA concerned with Maracana delays

Rio de Janeiro: World football governing body FIFA has reiterated its concern at delays in the redevelopment of Rio de Janeiro`s Maracana Stadium for the 2014 World Cup.

The iconic venue is still without a roof and turf as workers battle around the clock to finish the arena ahead of FIFA`s April 15 deadline. Maracana is scheduled to stage three FIFA Confederations Cup matches in June, including the tournament final. FIFA originally gave the event`s six venues a December deadline to complete refurbishment works but only Fortaleza`s Castelao and Belo Horizonte`s Mineirao are ready. "The city which I will be visiting in two days is the one that worries me the most," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said during his tour of Recife`s Arena Pernambuco Tuesday. Valcke was due to visit Bolo Horizonte Wednesday and Rio de Janeiro Thursday, where an inspection of the Maracana will be followed by a meeting with the local 2014 World Cup organising committee. IANS