SAO PAULO – With the World Cup less than a year away, FIFA is pledging to increase its monitoring of stadium construction in Brazil.
Secretary General Jerome Valcke said Friday that with preparations entering the final stages, the focus will be on making sure Brazil can have all 12 stadiums ready for the June 2014 kickoff of soccer's showcase event.
There were several stadium delays for the Confederations Cup earlier this year and FIFA has made it clear that it will not tolerate the same problems again. Brazil has to deliver the final six World Cup venues by the end of the year.
Valcke says the Confederations Cup was a success but there were "a few challenges and deficiencies" that need to be addressed for next year.
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