SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s sports minister has serious concerns about delays in preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
Orlando Silva says all 12 host cities have problems, including with construction and renovation of hotels and airports.
He told the Gazeta Esportiva website that if local authorities “don’t pick up the pace, we will lose the fight against time.”
The minister also says it remains uncertain whether Sao Paulo will be able to host the tournament’s opening match as expected. He says authorities in South America’s biggest city still have to provide guarantees that a stadium big enough for the opener will be ready in time for the competition.
Brazil also will host the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
