Fifa says no to new stadium

Fifa says no to new stadium

The Bangkok Futsal Arena is not ready to host the 2012 Futsal World Cup, Fifa said on its website on Tuesday.

The decision was taken after a thorough evaluation by a Fifa inspection group, including safety and security experts, at the the stadium site in Nong Chok district.

Thailand planned to use the 1.2 billion baht stadium stadium to host the quarter-final rounds on Nov 14, the semi-final rounds on Nov 16 and the final on Nov 18.

But the statement released by the football governing body said the arena will not be ready for play in time for those matches.

Although "urther significant progress has been made", including the installation of a floor for the pitch, the key criteria laid out following the committee's meeting last Wednesday have not been sufficiently met.

That included the safety of spectators, teams and all other visitors, it added.

"Such a fundamental issue, as well as the functionality of core services and facilities, cannot be compromised," the statement said.

The quarter final matches will now be played at Nimitbutr Gymnasium. The semi-finals and final will be hosted at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium.

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