FIFA doubts Brazil`s World Cup preparations

Belo Horizonte (Brazil): FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said he doubts Brazil will have all six stadiums ready for next year`s Confederations Cup.

Speaking during an inspection of the 66,800-capacity Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte Tuesday, Valcke reiterated his concern for the slow pace of the country`s 2014 World Cup projects, reports Xinhua. "At this rate, we are not going to have six stadiums ready for the Confederations Cup," Valcke said. The Confederations Cup, to be played June 15-30 next year, is considered an organisational warm-up for the World Cup. Mineirao Stadium, which is more than 80 percent complete, and Fortaleza`s Castelao Stadium are the most advanced in their refurbishment works. Causing most concern for FIFA is Recife`s Arena Pernambuco, whose upgrade works are only 64 percent complete according to constructor Odebrecht. Confederations Cup fixtures have also been planned for Rio`s iconic Maracana Stadium, Salvador`s Fonte Nova Stadium and Brasilia`s Mane Garrincha Stadium. Brazil`s sports minister Aldo Rebelo also admitted he could not guarantee all six stadiums would be ready. "We don`t have a single stadium ready for the Confederations Cup. We have deadlines. Stadiums that are on schedule will host matches, those that don`t make the deadline won`t," Rebelo said. FIFA has given venues until mid-November to prove they are on track. Those that are behind schedule will have their matches re-allocated to the tournament`s other host venues. The Confederations Cup will feature each of FIFA`s continental champions in addition to World Cup winner Spain and Brazil as the host nation. IANS