FIFA officials have admitted that they are concerned with the progress of several stadiums ahead of the opening game of the 2013 Confederations Cup in June.
“We are certainly on a very tight schedule with a few of the stadia,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke wrote in his regular online column.
“But we trust in the commitment made by the federal government and the governors and mayors responsible that they will fulfill the guarantees they provided.”
Brazil’s Sports Ministry said it has “full confidence” in those responsible for the stadiums, saying the venues will all be ready by the established deadlines — April 15 for the ones used in the Confederations Cup and by the end of the year for the other six needed just for the World Cup.
“The construction work is progressing every day and there is no reason for concern,” the ministry said in a statement sent to The Associated Press.
The Arena Fonte Nova in the city of Salvador would have been the third venue completed, but local authorities delayed the opening until April 7, with organizers saying they need the extra time to make final adjustments.
“In March there will be a transition phase to start testing all the equipment, keeping pace with the timetable established for the upcoming international events it will host,” the Bahia state government said in a statement.
Valcke, who will be in Brazil next week to inspect some of the venues, said the country will be entering “the final lap of preparations” when the 100-day mark to the tournament’s opener is reached next week.
“Although some of the stadiums are still in the final construction phase, the local organizing committee is beginning to build up its team at the venues,” he said.
“This means that, together with the host cities, it is accelerating the process of preparing the stage to welcome the teams, fans and officials this June.”
Source: Boston Herald
