Sepp Blatter alarmed by Brazil's incompetent World Cup preparation

Itaquera Arena, Sao Paolo

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has highlighted the failings of Brazil’s World Cup preparation insisting that no host has ever been so far behind its schedule. He further pointed out that as opposed to the usual tenure of six or less years time, Brazil have had seven years, since they were awarded the tournament to prepare for it.

Work on hotels, airports and roads have all been affected by the delay; but most alarmingly, 6 out of 12 host stadiums have failed to meet the 31st December deadline.

Quizzed about whether Brazil had realized the enormous amount of work involved, he added:

“No. Brazil has just found out what it means and has started work much too late.

“No country has been so far behind in preparations since I have been at Fifa even though it is the only host nation which has had so much time – seven years – in which to prepare.”

Even last World Cup’s host South Africa, who are weaker economically compared to Brazil required to build their venues from scratch, were way ahead than where Brazil are presently.

Work on Itaquera Arena, Sao Paolo which hosts the opening ceremony and 2 other stadiums are likely to be completed by middle of April, just a few weeks before the start of the Premier Showpiece. Blatter has admitted in early December that there is “no Plan B”.

The Itaquera Arena has suffered one problem after another, culminating in the death of two workers in November. Brazilian government had announced that it would be completed in February, only for – a day later – Fifa to confirm another deadline of April 15.

Blatter also went on to add that he had expected more of the protests that had dominated last summer’s Confederations Cup.

“I am an optimist not a pessimist. So I am not worried. But we do know there will be again be manifestations, protests. Those during the Confederations Cup – in this same country – were generated out of the social networks.

“There was no specific goal but during the World Cup the protests will perhaps be more concrete, more organised. But I also believe the football will be safe, I do not believe that Brazilians will attack the football directly. For them, it’s a religion.”