São Paulo – The Brazilian minister of Sports, Aldo Rebelo, has said this Tuesday (15th) that out of the 12 Brazilian cities that will host FIFA World Cup matches in 2014, six haven’t completed works at their stadiums: Cuiabá, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Manaus, Natal and São Paulo. The works, however, are at very advanced stages. “Approximately 90% of works have been completed in each of the host cities. This makes us confident that the deadline will be met. They all have guaranteed delivery by December,” he said.
The minister rebuffed criticism regarding delays in delivery of infrastructure, such as transportation, in host cities. He cited the Confederations Cup, during which no match was late despite the ongoing protests. “In a country the size of Brazil, problems are bound to happen. There can be delays here or there, but we will host the World Cup and the Olympic Games,” he declared.
Aldo Rebelo attended the announcement of funding for a Centre for Basic Sport Skills (Centro de Iniciação ao Esporte) in Mauá, in the Greater Metropolitan Area of São Paulo. The centre will require R$ 2 million to R$ 3 million in investment, will include an official court and areas for gymnastics, judo, fencing, boxing, and other sports. The facility will have the capacity to receive 3,000 people per week, including children and adults. In the coming two years, the ministry plans on delivering 250 centres.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
