Protests disrupt Fifa visit to Brazil World Cup venue
Protesters in Brazil have disrupted an official visit to a football stadium being built for next year World Cup.
A group of some 50 people stormed the Arena Pantanal, in the western city of Cuiaba, as it was being inspected by the Secretary General of Fifa, Jerome Valcke.
But the Brazilian government said that hosting four World Cup matches at the stadium will draw the world attention to the natural beauty of the Pantanal Conservation Area, a home to vast tropical wetlands.
Mr Valcke said the protesters had to take the long term benefits into account.
“People have freedom and that is part of democracy. But the workers who are here trying to finish the stadium should not be targeted,” said Mr Valcke.
He said he had a meeting with Governor Silval Barbosa to find out if the works were going to meet the deadline set by the Fifa, the world football governing body.
Officials say the Arena Pantanal is 85% ready, though none of the seats in the stadium have been installed.
Fifa has demanded that all venues are ready by 20 December.
The 2014 World Cup will kick off in Sao Paulo on 12 June. The final match will be played in Rio de Janeiro Maracana stadium on 13 July.
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