FIFA Threats Corinthians Over Construction of Stadium

05/15/2013 - 08h38

FIFA's general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, asked again in a hard tone, though he emphasized it was not a threat, that deadlines for the 2014 World Cup stadium work should be met.

He also said the organization can make schedule changes before the beginning of August, and that includes excluding certain arenas. The comment was directed to Itaquerão, the future Corinthians stadium expected to host the World Cup opening in Brazil.

Former Corinthians president and the person in charge of the stadium construction, Andres Sanchez, said he did not care if the new stadium will not be part of the opening. "The club does not work under any type of pressure," said Andres, in a statement.
The promise is to finish the work by December, the deadline given by FIFA.

Nacho Doce/Venderlei Almeida/Reuters/AFP

Andres Sanchez (left), former president of Corinthians and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke

"There will be a discussion with São Paulo's government over the stadium. We'll sit down to see what is going on," said Valcke, after inspecting the work at the Brasilia stadium. FIFA's leader said the arena is among his favorites in the world.

"Do not forget, and this is not a threat, but we can change everything before ticket sales start. Thus, we can change the matches schedule before Aug. 1st," he said.

Andres, who lobbied for the stadium to become the opening host, says Itaquerão was going to be built with capacity for 48,000 people but because of the World Cup a change was made to increase its capacity to 68,000.

"If they feel they must change the venue for the World Cup opening, they are free to do so. Corinthians just hope FIFA and The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) recognize the effort from the Municipality of São Paulo, São Paulo's government, the federal government and especially from the people of São Paulo," said Andres, mentioning that 76% of the work is completed.

Valcke made clear he does not want to change the host cities. "When this happens is because the LOC has no more options," he added.

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

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