The saga involving the selection of the host stadium for the opening ceremony and match of the 2014 Brazil World Cup continues to drag on, reflecting wider issues concerning the slow progress of preparations across the country.
With a range of doubts lingering over a significant proportion of projects related to the Cup, this week’s decision to delay the announcement of the Opening stadium until the end of 2011 has created further, unwanted controversy over the performance of those responsible for preparations, at least in some key sectors and host cities.
Notably, the decision once again highlights the precarious situation of Sao Paulo´s preparations for the event, with the FIFA-approved delay largely driven by the fact that the host stadium in Brazil´s largest city remains a long way from being ready for a Cup opening, with initial earthworks having only just begun and a range of development and approval requirements yet to be finalised.
If, even with an additional four months to get its act into gear, Sao Paulo proves incapable of coordinating itself for the Opening, three other cities are vying for the honour: Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Salvador, while Rio de Janeiro, the Cup Final host, has also been mentioned as a possibility, despite having regularly confirmed it is not in the race.
Of these three official possibilities, all have positioned themselves well ahead of Sao Paulo when it comes to stadium works, while the possibility of hosting the opener is also driving strong investments in areas where they are considered lacking for such an event, such as hotels in Belo Horizonte, security in Brasilia and urban mobility in Salvador; this is at least one benefit stemming from the indecision involving the Cup´s kick-off.
Whatever the final decision, one thing is for certain: 2014 World Cup host cities vary significantly when it comes to the nature and rhythm of their preparations for the event – a key lesson for groups looking at work opportunities in Brazil.