In a massive possible development that would see a huge shift in focus for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Sao Paulo, Brazil´s biggest city and business and cultural hub, looks set to lose its logical position as host of the opening ceremony and match following a major blowout in costs for its chosen stadium, Itaquerão.
The stadium, to be developed by mega club Corinthians and construction giant Odebrecht, was to cost R$700 million including a range of modifications for the Opening, however the latest estimate puts the final cost at closer to R$1 billion, which has prompted the club´s president to question this week whether it is even possible. One option is reverting to the club´s original plan for a 45,000 seat facility at a cost of less than R$500 million; such a stadium could host regular World Cup matches but not the opening or even semi-finals.
Whether another political play or not, the comments are very worrying coming just under three years from the event, particularly given the development is yet to even break ground. In the event that Sao Paulo is finally ruled out of opening duties, three other cities are competing for the right to host the first match: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia and Salvador.
Regardless of the final decision, a race for the opener minus Sao Paulo would seriously raise the profile of these three cities and drive significant additional investments, with the winner to gain a massive boost. Furthermore, if a 65,000 seater in Sao Paulo is not possible, additional semi and quarter final match spots will open up for other host cities with suitable stadia.