While Brazilian FA is busy in preparing stadiums for coming FIFA world cup, there are other problems coming by in this process. As told earlier, FIFA has asked Brazilian FA to ready at least six stadiums by March 2013, coz at the moment; there is only one stadium which can be treated as complete. Among others, Maracana Stadium is one which needs thorough renovation work and this process can take much more time than expected coz of extensive protest from a nearby school’s students and a museum’s lovers. Actually, for complete renovation of this stadium, it needs to be demolished first and this demolition will affect the nearby structures, including a Public school and a Museum and this is what that is not being liked by peoples there. During a recent public gathering being organized by government officials there, a massive protest happened against demolition of school and museum by around 500 students. During the meet, said students hooted slogans and displayed banners against the authority’s decision to thrash nearby structures.
The museum is said to be an indigenous museum while school is a public school where hundreds of students carry their education. Government officials said on this that museum is no longer used these days, while school students will be relocated to other schools, so there is no need to panic on the issue. Notably, Maracana Stadium is among those stadiums that have to host next year’s confederation cup’s finals along with 2014 world cup matches.
Last month, it was made clear that this stadium will not be the part of local soccer clubs; perhaps it would be open for everyone rather than one local club. Government spokesperson Regis Fitchner said on the issue, “We don’t want the Maracana stadium to belong to any particular club. Due to its significance, the stadium should host games involving all teams, including those who are not based in Rio, and the Brazilian national team.” Since refurbished work requires a massive $250 million investment, its operation will be granted on yearly basis and tender for said will be invited anywhere soon. As per an estimate, the winner of said tender will have to pay $3.5 million annually for maintaining this stadium. As told by authorities, the renovated stadium will carry a capacity of more than 77000 spectators and will be among top stadiums in Brazil. So, let’s see how FA manages to meet the deadlines simultaneous with settling the protest.