The ground is also set to hold the World Cup final in 2014, but the finish date now set to be delayed on its construction, raising fears over Brazil's preparations for hosting the world two biggest sporting events.

Teixeira discussed the problems facing the stadium earlier in the week when responding to FIFA President Sepp Blatter's criticism of the country's slow progress in preparing for the Confederation and World Cups.

The Brazilian football chief said the new roof would now be required due to "unexpected" problems with the current roof.

Officials had found signs of deterioration in some materials used for the current roof, but a study confirmed that it would need to be replaced, as engineers would find it easier than fixing the existing one.

It is unclear how the changes will affect the renovation cost, which originally was estimated at about $430 million (£268 million).

Some local media reports have claimed it could surpass $600 million ($374 million) now.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2011: Brazilian cities to host Olympic football in 2016 chosen
September 2010: Maracana closed for World Cup and Olympic facelift
December 2009: Maracana to be given £175 million makeover before Rio 2016