Porto Alegre (Brazil), Oct 8 (IANS) FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said that he plans to “put pressure” on Brazil to ensure the country is ready in time for next year’s World Cup.
Speaking during an inspection of Porto Alegre’s Beira-Rio stadium on Monday, Valcke said Brazil was entering the most crucial phase of its preparations for the June 12-13 tournament, reports Xinhua.
“In this home straight we need to look carefully at all of the details,” Valcke said during a press conference. “This period cannot be used to rest but to accelerate and finish all that needs to be done to guarantee the event is a success.”
The 49,000-seat Beira-Rio stadium, home of Brazilian top-flight outfit Internacional, is scheduled to host five World Cup matches.
Valcke praised the venue’s redevelopment, declaring it would be ready by FIFA’s Dec 31 deadline for the completion of World Cup stadium works.
“A lot has been done here in Porto Alegre since last year,” Valcke said.”Beira-Rio will be ready for the World Cup.”
