MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

FIFA nervous about Cup stadiums; Brazil argues brides are never on time for marriage

Minister Rebelo said ''it's probable that there will be a delay here or there”, but what is important is all stadiums will be ready

Brazilian government has brushed aside the importance of more delays in completing 2014 World Cup stadiums, saying that missing FIFA's deadline will not affect the country's ability to successfully host next year's tournament.

 The statement comes a day after FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said three stadiums would not be ready in time for the Dec. 31 deadline and Brazilian officials revealed they actually plan to deliver all six remaining venues after that date.

They claim only three are delayed, with the other three being handed over after the expected date only because of problems accommodating the schedule of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who wants to be present for the ceremonies.

''In every wedding that I attended the bride was late. I've never seen a bride arrive on time. But I've never seen a wedding not happen because of that,'' Brazil's Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo said. ''It's probable that there will be a delay here or there, but nothing too significant. What is important is that all of the stadiums will be ready.''

FIFA has already said it will have to change plans at the venues because of the delivery delays. FIFA Marketing Director Thierry Weil said the schedule for the release of tickets has already been slightly altered because the seating plans have not been finalized, and football's governing body said other areas will also be affected.

''Due to the reduced timeline, FIFA, the LOC, government and stadium authorities are adjusting the stadium operational program to ensure that the stadiums are delivered and host events prior to the FIFA World Cup without compromising on safety or quality,'' FIFA said in a statement.

Brazilian officials reiterated there was no reason for concern.

''We are in a much more advanced stage at this point in time than we were before the Confederations Cup,'' Brazil's deputy sports minister Luis Fernandes said. ''In March, there were still doubts whether the Maracana would be ready for the final. We are in a much better position now. The only doubt we have is related to the Sao Paulo stadium.''