A stadium to be constructed in Curitiba, a city in the South of Brazil, is behind schedule according to  FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke. FIFA officials are saying that they are doing everything possible to get the construction back on schedule. “Valcke said those involved in the city’s preparations ‘are seeking and finding solutions to help them catch up and hopefully make sure’ the stadium will be ready to host its four matches in the World Cup. FIFA gave an ultimatum to local organizers last month, saying they have until Tuesday to show the work at Arena da Baixada can be finished in time.” Brazil has planned on building 12 new cup stadiums for the World Cup later this year, but only 7 have been finished as of now. Although extremely behind schedule, Brazil is confident in saying that all stadiums will be completed in time. Do you think Brazil will manage to construct all the stadiums? What other things does Brazil need to complete in order to be ready for the World Cup?

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1715900/fifa-jerome-valcke-says-solution-sought-world-cup-stadium-delay?cc=5901

An Italian lower-league side from the Eccellenza Sicilia league (i.e, the regional eighth tier of the Italian football pyramid) are being investigated after it transpired that they managed to score eight own-goals in the closing stages of a recent cup tie.

Already trailing 6-3 to Borgata Terrenove in the Coppa Sicilia, SSD Bagheria then went and put a further eight goals past their own ‘keeper in the final ten minutes of the game to make the final scoreline 14-3.

The victory was sufficient to see Borgata leap above rival club Partinicaudace and into third place in their group on goal difference — therefore qualifying for the next stage of the tournament at Partinicaudace’s expense.

Borgata coach Ignazio Chianetta said: “It had been a real contest up to a certain point then Bagheria staged a farce. Their captain told me they preferred us to qualify rather than Partinicaudace.”

Unsurprisingly, accusations of collusion are now rife and the local branch of the FIGC has launched an investigation into Bagheria’s sudden tidal wave of own-goals.

However, Partinicaudace’s coach Giovanni Cammarata solemnly swore that his side were not involved in any jiggery-pokey, saying: “I can guarantee there was no agreement between us and Bagheria.”

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/thetoepoke/id/6013?ex_cid=sportscenter&cc=5901