FIFA sends warning to Brazil over World Cup stadiums

London: FIFA has revealed its concern over the construction of six World Cup stadiums ahead of next year`s finals in Brazil.

A second test event at Rio`s redeveloped Maracana stadium was recently cancelled, heightening fears over the readiness of arenas across the country for this summer`s Confederations Cup. But, while FIFA is content with the Maracana issue will be overcome, the world game`s governing body is closely monitoring the progress of the six other World Cup grounds not being used for the Confederations Cup. Stadiums in Cuiaba, Manaus, Natal, Curitiba, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo must be handed over to FIFA before the end of 2013 and the local officials and construction companies have been issued with a reminder of the timescale. “Since November 2012, it was requested that all stadia have a minimum of two test events before the FIFA Confederations Cup,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “There is no doubt that the more the stadia are tested the better, and that is the reason we have asked for the delivery of stadia six months before the (World Cup).” “Moreover, in a joint assessment between the state of Rio de Janeiro, the Local Organising Committee and the construction company, it was decided that specific simulations will be done, in other words, tests of several areas of the stadium aiming to find solutions to potential challenges before the FIFA Confederations Cup.” “FIFA is for sure concerned as it is vital that the firm deadline of December 2013 be kept (ahead of the World Cup). The host cities concerned, the federal government and stadium owners have committed to this delivery date and acknowledged that for the FIFA World Cup no compromises can be made in order not to jeopardise the successful staging of football’s flagship event. (This is) something which is not only crucial for FIFA but for the entire host nation,” he said. Brazil national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari this week aired his own concerns about the Maracana’s readiness for the Selecao’s forthcoming friendly fixture against England on June 2, which is scheduled to be the first game played in front of a full crowd at the newly refurbished venue. “The Maracana is okay as long as the surrounding works are finished. The technical area, the playing field and locker rooms are excellent. All very nice, very good,” said Scolari. “But I cannot speak for the rest. It is the contractor performing the work who must speak of this and I do not know if everything will be ready by June 2.” New reports in Brazil have confirmed that the substitutes` benches at all six Confederations Cup stadiums will have to either be adapted or rebuilt after been constructed contrary to FIFA specifications. All of the benches have been set up slightly below pitch level, despite the world governing body strictly specifying that such a design was not permitted. The realigned technical areas will mean that tickets will not be permitted for sale in the three to four rows of sets behind each bench due to the changing sight lines, further extending building and budgeting issues. The current problems are just the latest chapter in a series of difficulties for the organising committees over the preparations for the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. Setbacks have ranged from funding issues to the unfortunate death of a construction worker after taking a fall at the new Manaus Arena. And, after FIFA’s latest warning, there will be increased focus on the continued works going on around the country before the December deadline. Kris Voakes/Goal.com