FFA very concerned about Curitiba stadium

Football Federation Australia is very concerned about FIFA's comments the stadium in Curitiba could be dropped as a World Cup venue.

Curitiba stadium on December 14, 2013.

The stadium set to host Australia's World Cup match against Spain may not be ready in time. (AAP)

Football Federation Australia admit they hold grave concerns the stadium in Curitiba, one of the Socceroos' venues for this year's World Cup, risks being dropped for the showpiece event.

Curitiba is set to host four group matches, including Australia's final group match against reigning world champions Spain on June 23.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke made a visit to the stadium and on Tuesday said construction was grossly behind schedule, failing to meet any FIFA deadlines.

He said should work on the stadium not make significant progress the governing body may be forced to drop it as a venue.

"FFA has noted FIFA's comments that Curitiba's World Cup stadium is only 90 per cent complete and missed the initial December 31 deadline and will seek advice from FIFA on the issue," said an FFA spokesperson on Wednesday.

"The prospect of matches being moved from Curitiba raises serious concerns, particularly for Socceroo fans who have secured tickets and made flight and hotel bookings.

"We hope the measures announced will ensure that Curitiba's readiness will be confirmed by the 18 February deadline."

Valcke, who has not held back from making critical remarks about preparations in the host nation during the lead-up to the finals, said he hoped rapid progress would be made so that Curitiba would not miss out on hosting matches.

"What is there to say?" said Valcke, speaking after visiting the stadium.

"It is a delicate question. But let us be frank and direct about it.

"As you must know the present situation at the stadium is not to our liking.

"We cannot organise a match without a stadium, this has reached a critical point."

Valcke said not only was the stadium "very behind" in construction, it had also failed to meet any FIFA deadlines.

"A lot of people want to come here, the World Cup holders have to play here," said Valcke, who was roundly criticised by the Brazilians after last year indelicately suggesting the country needed a "kick up the backside".

"We hope, therefore, that the conversations we have had with the State Government and the Curitiba city council will produce the desired results, which will not see the city excluded from the Cup."

Like many of the other 11 World Cup venues, Curitiba's stadium has been beset by problems.

Back in December work at the stadium was temporarily halted when workers walked off the site in protest at not receiving backpay.

As well as fatal accidents at three stadiums - Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Manaus - there has been widespread concern at Brazil's ability to overcome logistical issues, including a poor transport network and sky-high hotel prices.

All 12 venues were supposed to meet a FIFA completion deadline of December 31, but world football's governing body was forced to drop the date last month after a slew of delays.


Share

3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world