FIFA fears over SWC stadiums

Rio de Janeiro - FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke will visit Rio de Janeiro next week, with less than 100 days to go until the Soccer World Cup and three stadiums still not finished.

FIFA's web page said the visit will provide a final chance for organisers to give an update on preparations for the month-long tournament beginning June 12.

Of 12 stadiums that will host games, three are not yet finished: in Sao Paulo, Curitiba and Cuiaba.

The inaugural game between Brazil and Croatia is scheduled to be played in the Sao Paulo arena. Brazil will unveil it April 15 even though it will not be completely ready.

Last month FIFA lifted a threat to drop Curitiba from the cup, and ultimately work to finish the stadium there sped up.

FIFA had wanted all 12 stadiums ready in December.

FIFA said visits to some of them have been rescheduled for Valcke's next visit, in late April.

The newspaper Estado de Sao Paulo says Valcke is visiting March 24-27 because FIFA is worried about delays in building temporary facilities at stadiums hosting games, such as press rooms and X-ray security facilities.

Some cities are balking at paying for them, the daily said.