February 5 – FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke says all Brazil’s World Cup stadia, most notably Curitiba, will be completed by April even though that is only two months before the start of the tournament.
FIFA recently warned organisers that Curitiba could be thrown out unless work on its stadium is speeded up and set a February 18 ultimatum for the venue, which is hosting four group games, to prove it can meet requirements.
Valcke told the SpoBis sports business conference, however, that no alternative plans had been drawn up to switch any of Curitiba’s matches.
“The stadium in Curitiba will all be finished in late April,” Valcke was quoted as telling his audience. “We have no plan B and do not even need a Plan B.”
Valcke, who recently completed another of his trouble-shooting missions to Brazil, said he was constantly in touch with those running stadiums that were behind schedule.
“There was a crisis meeting a few days ago about the current state of construction and we have received overall satisfactory answers,” he said.
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