According to former World Cup winner Romario, Brazil will not be “100 per cent ready” to host football’s 2014 FIFA World Cup because the completion of two stadiums will not be finished on time.
“I believe that Brazil won’t reach 100 per cent readiness. Out of the 12 stadiums designated for World Cup events, perhaps only 10 will be prepared,” stated the retired football star during his interview with the magazine Istoe, which has been shared across social networks.
“Regarding public transportation developments, none of the involved cities will manage to complete it entirely,” Romario mentioned, who serves as a lawmaker for Brazil’s Socialist Party (PSB).
He cautioned that the overall expenditure for hosting the World Cup may escalate from the estimated $US44 billion ($A42.8 billion) to about $US55.5 billion ($A54 billion).
Brazil is in a race against time to construct or renovate 12 stadiums ahead of the 2014 event. Late last year, Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo assured that the work on the venues would predominantly be finished ahead of schedule.
A figure known for his controversies both on and off the field during his career as a striker for Brazil and various prestigious clubs in Europe and South America, Romario has expressed criticism towards World Cup organizers and FIFA, the governing body of world football.
by Buford Balony