Brazilian Cities Could Be Cut from World Cup Hosting Duties

Some of the 12 FIFA-approved cities being considered as hosts for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil could be cut from the list after not meeting a stadium renovation deadline, according to Sports Minister Orlando Silva. He says the country only needs 8 stadia to hold the event.

Orlando Silva says many cities did not meet the March 31 deadline to begin renovating their stadiums or build new ones. Unless they meet the second deadline on May 3, they run the risk of being excluded from the World Cup.

Brazil may scratch some cities from 2014 World Cup
USA Today
April 23, 2010

FIFA and Brazilian Soccer Club Come to Terms Over Stadium Renovation

FIFA and a Brazilian soccer club have come to an agreement over the contentious renovation of a Sao Paulo stadium for the country's 2014 World Cup. FIFA had apparently been concerned about reforming the Morumbi stadium, and had criticized renovation plans that apparently did not meet FIFA specifications. But the club and FIFA have ironed out the issue.

"The latest information about the saga between FIFA and Sao Paulo is that the latest project fulfilled all our requirements," Valcke told reporters.

"It's seems there is a clear understanding on what we are looking for."

The Morumbi stadium in Sao Paulo is expected to serve as one of the venues for a semi-final match during the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA and Sao Paulo reach agreement over stadium plans
Reuters
March 19, 2010

Odd Pick for England's 2018/2022 Host City List, But Surprises Await

A surprising name was included in England's list of proposed venues for their 2018/2022 World Cup bid: Home Park, Plymouth. The stadium is much smaller than most FIFA regulations require, and not exactly one of the most famous venues in England. But supporters say broad renovation plans will turn Home Park into one of the country's finest stadia.

Plymouth’s presentation to England’s World Cup Bid panel included ambitious plans to upgrade the stadium to a 46,000 “Wembley of the West”. The club is already committed to a £20 million expansion of the stadium to hold 27,000 regardless of the bid, with plans to increase the capacity to 46,000 should the bid be successful at a cost of a further £30 million.

The stadium design is by Populous, one of the world’s leading stadia-design firms, also responsible for Wembley Stadium. Of particular interest was that a representative of American firm AEG, who have built and operated MLS stadia for a few years now, joined the Plymouth delegation’s presentation to the panel, with AEG slated to operate the stadium.

An Unlikely World Cup Venue: Home Park, Plymouth
Pitch Invasion
December 16, 2009