Six of the 12 Stadiums failed to meet the December 31 deadline given to them by football's world governing body with delays on roads, airports and hotels also a cause for concern.

Accidents over recent months have seen three workers killed at stadiums in São Paulo and Manaus, with delays also affecting a number of other venues.

"No country has been so far behind in preparations since I have been at FIFA even though it is the only host nation which has had so much time - seven years - in which to prepare," Blatter told Swiss newspaper 24 Heures.

The 77-year-old, who joined FIFA in 1975, told the publication that he believes Brazil 2014 "started work much too late" and that the hosts are only just coming to terms with the enormity of the project.

A crane collapse at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo left two construction workers dead in November ©Getty Images

The tournament is scheduled to get underway on June 12, with the Opening Ceremony and the host's first game against Croatia set take place at the Arena Corinthians, where two construction workers died when a crane collapsed onto part of the roof in November.

The accident set the completion date back to around mid-April, just a few weeks before the competition kicks off, leaving doubts over its readiness to host the tournament.

Work was also delayed at the Arena da Amazônia in Manaus after a worker fell to his death from the roof of the stadium in December and a judge ruled for work to be temporarily halted at the Arena da Baixada in the city of Curitiba following concerns over workers safety.

Blatter also conceded that he expected there to be more of the protests that dominated last summer's Confederations Cup, however, he believes that protesters will not target matches themselves because of how much the game means to Brazil.

Sepp Blatter admitted that he expected more demonstrations to take place over the course of the World Cup, but believes that protesters will not target matches ©Getty images

"I am an optimist not a pessimist so I am not worried," he said.

"But we do know there will again be manifestations, protests.

"During the World Cup the protests will perhaps be more concrete, more organised.

"But I also believe the football will be safe, I do not believe that Brazilians will attack the football directly.

"For them, it's a religion."

During the interview, Blatter dropped another hint that he wasn't ruling out running for his fifth term as President of FIFA, answering the question in his usual teasing manner.

"I cannot answer with a yes or a no but simply state that I do not feel tired enough to say that I will not stand," he said.

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