Beira-Rio World Cup stadium to miss new deadline

PORTO ALEGRE - Construction work at Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio stadium will not be complete until two weeks before the World Cup begins, the city's mayor said on Wednesday.

The announcement came hours after Brazil's Rio Grand do Sul state parliament passed a bill guaranteeing tax breaks for suppliers of temporary structures at the venue.

"We have already spoken to some companies who have shown very positive signs about making a commitment," Porto Alegre's mayor Jose Fortunati said during a press conference.

Beira-Rio was officially opened last month but still lacks structures for media and sponsors while a large area outside the stadium remains unpaved.

The venue in Brazil's south will host five World Cup matches, including games involving France, the Netherlands and Argentina.

World football's governing body FIFA has set a May 21 deadline for the stadium to be ready.

"We will probably pass the deadline of May 21 but by the end of the month we will definitely have in place the structures needed for the fans."

The 50,000-seat Beira-Rio will host five World Cup matches, the first between France and Honduras on June 15.