• World Cup

April deadline set for World Cup stadium

ESPN staff
December 5, 2013
FIFA president Sepp Blatter also confirmed the 2014 World Cup winners will receive £21.5 million in prize money © Getty Images
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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has told a news conference that the World Cup stadium in Sao Paulo will not be ready until two months before the tournament starts.

The stadium was the site of two fatalities in November when a crane fell over and Blatter said at the time that there was "no plan B", something he has reiterated.

The opening match of the 2014 World Cup is due to take place on June 12, less than two months after the new completion date. However, Blatter has urged trust in the project's safe completion.

"It will be ready in mid-April, it is a question of trust that it will be done," Blatter said. "God and Allah willing no more accidents shall arise and the reconstruction can restart as soon as possible. For the time being there's no plan B."

FIFA also announced official details of prize money for the tournament which have increased by 33% on 2010.

The World Cup winners will receive £21.5 million, while countries which fail to qualify from the group stage will get £5m. A further £1m will be awarded to each of the 32 competitors to cover preparation costs.

Meanwhile, the amounts clubs will be entitled to will almost double from the 2010 World Cup, taking on a total of £43m.

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