SAO PAULO (AP) — FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke will begin an inspection visit to Brazil amid a series of concerns about the country’s readiness for the 2014 World Cup.
Valcke will visit three host cities less than a week after Brazil’s sports minister said the country needs to speed up the pace of construction on five of the six stadiums that must be completed by December.
Monday’s visit also comes just days after the government said it is concerned with price hikes of hotels listed on FIFA’s website, something that could prompt an investigation into the FIFA-appointed agency in charge of accommodations.
There are also doubts about whether the upgrades needed at the country’s airports will be ready in time for the event that kicks off in less than 10 months.
