Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
FIFA have allowed Curitiba to maintain its World Cup status for the time being, but warned they face a "very tight timeline" to be ready for the summer.
Football's governing body yesterday confirmed the southern Brazil city and its Arena da Baixada stadium would not be axed from the World Cup plans, despite delays in construction and financial issues.
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FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke had previously expressed faith in Curitiba, even as other World Cup sites in Brazil face their own problems.
Several stadia for the summer tournament have missed their FIFA deadlines, amid reports of deaths at construction venues, and it remains to be seen if the fresh dates will have any positive impact.
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"It is essential that the works are maintained at the required levels and that a collective effort by all the stakeholders involved in Curitiba continues," Valcke told FIFA.com.
"It a race against a very tight timeline and will require regular monitoring.
"But we are counting on the commitment made by Atletico Paranaense, the city and the state of Curitiba."
Curitiba is set to play host to four group-stage games at the World Cup, including Spain's game against Australia on 23rd June.
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