Arena of Confed Cup opener delayed again in Brazil
FIFA concerned by delay after organizers say stadium hosting Confed Cup opener behind schedule
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Brazilian organizers say the stadium hosting the opening match of the Confederations Cup in two months will not be finished by next Sunday as expected, prompting FIFA to express "great concerns" with the unexpected delay.
Local authorities said Monday that the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia will be ready on May 18, just three days before FIFA is scheduled to take over the venue to prepare it for the Confederations Cup's opener between Brazil and Japan on June 15.
FIFA said it will have a meeting with the host city, the federal government and local World Cup organizing committee on Tuesday to "evaluate in detail the situation and gain a better understanding of the adjusted schedule for the delivery of the stadium in time for the necessary test events ahead of the" match.
