Brazil Sports Minister: World Cup stadiums may not be delivered on time

Aldo Rebelo, Brazil Sports Minister

Aldo Rebelo, Brazil’s sports minister, has warned that the venues scheduled to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil will not be ready on time if construction is not sped up. His statement added concerns to the debate already surrounding Brazil’s readiness to host the World Cup next year.

According to reports, it was revealed that only one of the six stadiums is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year, the deadline given by FIFA for the completion of venues. The stadium in Sao Paulo, the venue to host the opening match, is more than 85% ready while the rest of the stadiums are nearly 75% ready.

“This must be seen as a warning. We cannot keep on the same rhythm, or we will not deliver them on time,” said Rebelo.

“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.”

The 57 year old minister has also warned that to speed the building process, no extra funding will be made available from the government.

“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,” Rebelo explained.

Spending huge amounts of money on the tournament will be a highly criticised move, as was seen during the Confederations Cup, which was marked by protests over corruption and overspending.

The World Cup is scheduled to be held in Brazil in June next year.