FIFA confirms that Curitiba will host the World Cup.
Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke called the mayor of Curitiba, Gustavo Fruet (PDT), and confirmed that the city will remain one of the host cities for the World Cup; this information will be officially released at a press conference this afternoon; a FIFA consultant inspected the Arena da Baixada today, but Valcke's confirmation came before the end of the visit.
Paraná 247 – FIFA confirmed on Tuesday the 18th that Curitiba will remain one of the host cities for the 2014 World Cup. The construction of the Arena da Baixada, in the capital of Paraná, is the most delayed in the country – only 90% complete.
Earlier this afternoon, the organization's secretary-general, Jérôme Valcke, delivered the news by telephone to the mayor of Curitiba, Gustavo Fruet (PDT), according to Fruet's press office. The City Hall has called a press conference at 15:30 pm to officially announce the news.
The city's biggest concern is securing the financial resources to complete the construction. The Paraná state government is trying to obtain a financing line from BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) worth R$ 250 million – R$ 65 million of which would be used for the stadium. FIFA requested – and received – guarantees that there will be resources to complete the arena, which belongs to Atlético Paranaense.
Today, the arena was inspected by FIFA's stadium technician, Charles Botta. But Valcke's confirmation was given before Botta concluded his visit. As of 15 PM, he had not yet left the stadium.
Later, Valcke shared the news on Twitter. Read the report from Agência Brasil:
Jérôme Valcke says on social media that Curitiba will remain in the World Cup.
Vladimir Platonow - Reporter for Agência Brasil
The Secretary-General of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Jérôme Valcke, recently confirmed on his personal Twitter account that Curitiba will remain one of the host cities for the World Cup.
"Curitiba reconfirmed as a host city for the #WorldCup2014, based on financial guarantees, commitment from all parties, and progress made. It will be a tight race against time, and the collective effort of all parties involved in Curitiba must continue at a strong pace," wrote Valcke.
He is currently giving a press conference in Florianópolis, where he is participating in an official FIFA event. The Arena da Baixada is behind schedule, but Paraná state authorities and the Atlético Paranaense board assure that the stadium will be ready for the World Cup.