Sao Paulo, Jul 17 (IANS): Construction work at Sao Paulo's Itaquerao World Cup stadium is over 80 percent complete, the venue's owner Corinthians said.
The Brazilian top-flight club said in a statement Tuesday that a new building phase would begin this week, including the installation of support structures for the stadium's roof, reports Xinhua.
The news comes two months after FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed concern at the slow pace of work at the venue.
FIFA has warned that Brazil's 12 World Cup stadiums must be ready by Dec 31 or they will be taken off the tournament schedule.
The 65,000-seat Itaquerao will stage six World Cup fixtures, including the opening match and one of the semifinals.