By Nick Butler in Rio De Janeiro

Construction work is still ongoing at three stadiums including the Arena de Sao Paulo ©Getty ImagesMarch 19 - Six stadiums due to will host matches at the World Cup this summer, including the three which are yet to be fully constructed, are being inspected this week by representatives from FIFA and the Local Organising Committee.


This latest round of inspections is due to begin tomorrow at the Arena de Sao Paulo, which will host the opening match of the World Cup between hosts Brazil and Croatia, and will continue until next Wednesday (March 26).

It follows a similar round of inspections on the other six stadiums earlier this year, including the Maracana Stadium here in Rio, where the World Cup final is due to held.

All aspects of the stadiums will be considered - ranging from broadcasting to transport, catering to communications, and volunteers to medical services - with the tour described as "fundamental to consolidate operational plans and for each area to confirm the operations they have planned over the last few years".

But, following much criticism over preparations being behind schedule, the tour also includes three stadiums - in Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Cuiaba - which are yet to be fully constructed, while many others also have much infrastructure work to be done. 

The Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba is one of three stadiums yet to be completed ©FIFA/Getty ImagesThe Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba is one of three stadiums yet to be completed
©FIFA/Getty Images



It is hoped the Arena de São Paulo will be completed in mid-May, along with the Arena da Baixada in the southern city of Curitiba, which will host four group matches including the defending champions Spain against Australia. 

Cuiabá is also yet to complete its stadium, with concern remaining over whether there will be enough time to install the temporary structures needed for technical teams, sponsors and media.

It has been announced this week's inspection will be the "last occasion for the organisers to take stock of the operational preparations before the respective FIFA World Cup installations begin to be implemented in all 12 host cities".

In a busy week for the World Cup organisers, FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke is also arriving here on Monday (March 24) for a series of meetings culminating in a Board meeting of the Local Organising Committee on Thursday (March 27) at the Maracana Stadium. 

It can be presumed that the ongoing public discontent in Brazil over World Cup spending will figure highly on Valcke's agenda.

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