As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Porto Alegre doubt as Socceroos venue behind deadline

Australia's World Cup fixture with Holland is in danger of being moved from Porto Alegre.

The site of the Group B meeting, Estadio Beira-Rio, is not yet ready for World Cup action which could force organisers to shift the match to another city.

The largest city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul was given an extension past the initial end of 2013 deadline in order to get the stadium up to scratch but Porto Alegre mayor Jose Fortunati is not all that enthused about their chances.

A vote will be held regarding tax exemptions for the companies building the temporary structures - such as media facilities and hospitality areas - and if that is not passed, then the World Cup will bypass Fortunati's city.

"This is the point which is the crux in terms of holding the World Cup in Porto Alegre," he told Radio Gaucha on Monday.

"If the bill is not voted, we will not have the World Cup in Porto Alegre.

"This is because we will not have the resources to do it. We have no plan B, plan C or plan Z. The only alternative is this."

Apart from the Australia v Holland match, Estadio Beira-Rio is scheduled to host the Group E meeting between France and Honduras, Group F's Nigeria v Argentina, Group H's South Korea v Algeria and one Round of 16 fixture.

 For breaking stories and all the great banter like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tribalfootball

Video of the day:

Andrew Slevison
About the author

Andrew Slevison

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free