2014 FIFA World Cup Preparations Far behind Schedule, FIFA Pres. Criticizes Host Brazil [VIDEO & REPORT]

"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," said FIFA President Sepp Blatter, criticizing Brazil, 2014 FIFA World Cup host, according to a report by The Guardian.

Blatter highlighted Brazil's failings to deliver the necessary preparations for this summer's 2014 FIFA World Cup. He said that no other previous host country has been so far behind in its preparations. Of the 12 host stadia, six have failed to meet the December 21, 2013 deadlines. Brazil's hotels, airports and roads have also been affected by delays, the report said.

Blatter had also pointed out that the host country has had seven years to prepare since it was awarded to host world's prestigious tournament. Brazil has not fared well when compared to other previous countries that only had to prepare six years or less.

"No. Brazil has just found out what it means and has started work much too late," Blatter said when asked if the 2014 FIFA World Cup host realized the scale of the work preparations involved.

According to Blatter, previous host South Africa, with much less wealth compared to Brazil, was much more prepared even though the country built all its 2010 venues from scratch.

Blatter added that work on three stadia in Brazil might go on until the mid-April, which is just a few weeks before the tournaments starts on June 12. He also admitted early in December that Brazil has "no plan B," the report said.

One of the stadia that need a lot of work is the Itaquera Arena in Sao Paulo. It will host the opening ceremony and match of the finals between Brazil and Croatia. So far, reports show that the Itaquera Arean has suffered one problem after another with two workers dying in November.

However, the Brazilian government announced it would be completed in February, but FIFA confirmed another deadline, which is April 15, a day later.

 

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