...
...
Next Story

Fifa upbeat about Sao Paulo World Cup stadium

World football's governing body Fifa is confident that Sao Paulo's Itaquerao Stadium can overcome construction delays to host the opening match of the World Cup slated for June 12.

Updated on: Jan 21, 2014 06:28 PM IST
Advertisement

World football's governing body Fifa is confident that Sao Paulo's Itaquerao Stadium can overcome construction delays to host the opening match of the World Cup slated for June 12.

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke visited the stadium on Monday, almost two months after two workers died when a crane collapsed on part of the venue's facade.

The accident prompted Fifa to extend the stadium's December 31 deadline to mid-April.

"We will do all that we can to make sure this opening game is a success," Valcke told a press conference here on Monday.

"In a way, I would say the pressure is a little bit bigger here. It's the first game. It has to be a success. The world will be watching."

The Itaquerao Stadium is one of six World Cup stadiums yet to be delivered.

Local officials say the venue is 97% completed with almost 30,000 seats already installed.

It will host six World Cup matches, including the tournament opener between Brazil and Croatia.

Valcke was also due to inspect Cuiaba's Arena Pantanal and Curitiba's Arena da Baixada during his latest Brazil visit.

 
Stay updated with the latest scores, results, and headlines from us sports, wwe, football, tennis, hockey, and other sports. Follow live action, big tournaments, and top players across all major leagues on sports by Hindustan Times.
Stay updated with the latest scores, results, and headlines from us sports, wwe, football, tennis, hockey, and other sports. Follow live action, big tournaments, and top players across all major leagues on sports by Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe