FIFA delays decision on Futsal World Cup arena use

World football governing body FIFA has yet to decide whether to use the Bangkok Futsal Arena as the main venue for the Futsal World Cup 2012 following delays in completing the stadium's flooring.
On Monday, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials met Jaime Yarza, FIFA's Senior Manager of Futsal and Beach Soccer Competitions, who visited the arena in the Nong Chok district to check on the stadium, which is behind schedule.
FIFA representatives are understood to be assessing construction progress and observing testing of the stadium before deciding on the suitability of the venue.
According to Bangkok Deputy Governor Thirachon Manomaipibul, the timber flooring to be installed at the venue had trouble obtaining customs clearance in China.
Due to the delayed arrival of imported flooring, a temporary polymer surface has been laid to allow for a test of the futsal competition ground's readiness. The test included the venue's air conditioning, sound, and screen systems.
The 12,000-seat Bangkok Futsal Arena was originally planned as the main venue for the tournament, which was to host the opening ceremony and matches from the first round onwards. Now it will only host games from the quarter-finals - if it is complete in time.
Local organisers have switched games to the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium and Nimibutr Gymnasium in Bangkok and Chatchai Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima venues that will host more matches if the stadium fails to complete in time.
Construction delays of the 1.2 billion (US$4 million) baht stadium forced FIFA to change the tournament schedule earlier this month.
The 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup commences on Thursday when Thailand open their campaign against Costa Rica at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium. The event runs until 18th November.

http://www.fifa.com/futsalworldcup/index.html