The possible impact of "unexpected torrential rains" is preoccupying 2014 FIFA World Cup organizers, according to Rodrigo Mattos of UOL.com.br. With the majority of World Cup host stadiums more than halfway finished, the Local Organizing Committee has turned its focus to the "important matters in the final stages of construction, like the field." The committee and FIFA have "recommended the implementation" of tropical grass and a powerful drainage system, which has the capacity to drain water four times faster than the normal system. But not all the stadiums are following the recommendation due to the price. A conventional drainage system costs R$1.5M ($739,000), while the powerful system recommended by FIFA and LOC "can cost up to four times that value." For this reason, the Maracanã is "probably not going to use this drainage system." The Rio de Janiero stadium and other host arenas "argue that normally it is dry season" during the period of the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. Therefore, "a conventional drainage system is sufficient." The question of the fields "has been a hot topic for LOC since the start of the year." But it has gained special attention now that "the grass is getting ready to be planted in the stadiums that will host Confederations Cup matches" (UOL.com.br, 9/27).
