Brazil-England not sanctioned yet due to doubts over stadium

PanARMENIAN.Net - FIFA have warned England that their friendly with Brazil has not yet been sanctioned due to doubts over the stadium, Sambafoot reports.

The game is set to take place on June 2 and will be Brazil's first fixture at the modernized Maracana stadium, which will hold 78,000 spectators when completed. However, there are worries concerning the readiness of the stadium and according to the Daily Mail, FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke has warned the FA that the game may not go ahead.

He said: "I know England want this game but we have not yet approved the fixture. We will not give a certificate for this game unless we are sure that the stadium is ready and that all the proper safety and security measures are in place."

Five-times World Cup winners Brazil will visit Wembley in February as part of a two-match arrangement that will see England head to South America for a short tour in June.

The fixtures are part of the FA's 150th anniversary celebrations in which the Three Lions will also take on the Republic of Ireland.