Fifa has given Thailand until Monday to complete the Bangkok Futsal Arena if it is to be used during the World Cup which kicks off today.
Workers add the finishing touches to the Bangkok Futsal Arena in Nong Chok district, including changes to the base of the futsal playing area. They expect to finish the work in time for the quarter-final round of the Futsal World Cup 2012. The tournament kicks off today. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD
On the eve of the 2012 tournament yesterday, Fifa announced that it would permit Thailand to use the new stadium in Nong Chok district subject to a number of conditions.
"We will make our final inspection on Nov 5," said Manilal Fernando, chairman of Fifa organising committee of the 2012 World Cup.
The conditions include a reduction in the stadium's capacity from 12,000 to 10,000 by closing the fifth storey to the public, completing all security procedures, preparing an emergency evacuation plan, arranging appropriate insurance, and finalising a CCTV system.
In addition, the pitch, which is not currently in place, needs to be ready in time for the inspection, Mr Fernando said.
Officials are mulling three options to complete the pitch _ using a transportable pitch being flown in from Italy, or installing parquet flooring from either Taiwan or Malaysia.
Thai football chief Worawi Makudi said a substitution plan is in place should the new stadium not be finished in time.
The stadium is being built by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Wasant Meewong, BMA spokesman, said the flooring will be completed in one or two days.
If approved, it will host quarter-final and semi-final matches as well as the final on Nov 18.