Sergei Ponomaryov, the deputy head of general contractor PSO Kazan, insisted, however, that major construction work at the 45,000-capacity stadium would be ready by the agreed deadline of later this year.

"We would have liked a faster construction pace," Ponomaryov was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Nikolai Merkushkin, the Governor of the Samara region, cited the poor weather in recent months as the reason for the delay.

He vowed they would be back on track next month.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko claimed in July that he was not concerned by the progress at the Samara Arena.

The Samara Arena is among those to have provided organisers with the most issues so far, however, and has suffered numerous delays in the past 12 months.

A fire also recently broke out at the venue, due to host six matches including a quarter-final at next year's tournament.

No damage was done as a result of the fire, which was caused by objects scattered around the construction site.

It comes after FIFA confirmed that the main framework of the Samara Stadium was nearly complete, with 95 of the 96 blocks making up the venue's dome structure now in place.

World football's governing body said preparations have started for the renovation of the area surrounding the facility, including the demolition of an old radio centre.

The spaces earmarked for new construction have also been levelled, according to FIFA in an update regarding progress at the various stadiums due to be used at the World Cup.

The stadium in Samara, the sixth largest city in Russia, will cost a reported $320 million (£243 million/€269 million) to build.

It will be the home of Russian Premier League side Krylya Sovetov after the tournament has concluded.

A total of 12 venues will host matches at 2018 World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 15.