Blatter sure Maracana will be ready for Confederations Cup

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is in the process of assuaging fears regarding the availability of stadiums in Brazil for the commencement of the Confederations Cup.

The Maracana stadium in Rio is set to host Italy versus Mexico on Sunday but in spite of the proximity of the event, workers are still putting the finishing touches around the place.

Adding to their list of woes is the heavy precipitation in Recife that has raised concerns regarding the condition of the grounds at the Arena Penambunco, where Spain will take on Uruguay on Sunday.

Blatter refused to be downcast by not fixating on the possibility of delays said, “Since I was first involved in 1978, I have witnessed a lot of problems like this, but when the tournament started, everything went well.”

“Let us see. Let us hope this is the same,” he added.

But not everyone has Blatter’s diplomatic approach. Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo was furious at reports that the stadium might not be ready in time for the game and has stressed on the fact that the renovation work going on was for aesthetic purposes.

“If what they are doing there is called major construction in your country, then frankly I pity the people of your country,” he was quoted as replying to the question about why the Maracana still looked like a building site.