Concerns Over Brazilian Stadiums Build Speed

Aldo Rebelo, the Brazilian Sports Minister, has expressed concern over whether five new stadiums under construction for the 2014 football World Cup will be ready on time.

In a statement, Rebelo has urged those involved to pick up the pace, if they still intend to have the five structures completed by the end of 2013.

In all, six football stadiums are being developed but only a single site is at the point it now should be. Located in Sao Paulo, this stadium will host the 2014 World Cup's first match and is all but 16 per cent finished. Completion by December 2013 is fully anticipated, in line with FIFA's requirements.

Brazilian Stadium Constructions

Far more concerning are the Brazilian stadium constructions in Cuiaba, Curitiba, Manaus, Natal and Porto Alegre. These currently range from between 71 per cent to 79 per cent finished, according to official data.

"This must be seen as a warning", Rebelo stressed. "We cannot keep on the same rhythm, or we will not deliver them on time. It is possible to intensify. We are able to meet the deadlines, but it should be noted that it will require us to speed up the construction."

He added: "There will be no budget increase, because, for example, instead of paying 10 workers during two months, you can pay 20 to work for 30 days."

2014 World Cup Stadiums

The 2014 FIFA World Cup begins on 12 June and concludes just over one month later. A total of 12 stadiums are hosting it, of which half are existing structures.

Brazil is a previous FIFA World Cup host and one of only five nations to have twice-hosted the competition. Brazil is also a five-times winner of the FIFA World Cup and remains the only football team to have participated in every single event.

Image copyright Brazilian Government - courtesy Wikimedia Commons