Questions Over Maracanã Stadium Safety Jeopardize Brazil-England Friendly

The FA insisted that England’s Sunday friendly with Brazil will go ahead as planned "despite doubts over whether the Maracanã stadium will be issued with a safety certificate," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. A Brazilian judge issued an order Thursday suspending the "prestigious fixture." The decision can be overturned on Friday if the Rio State Legal Department "receives certain technical documents." Judge Adriana Costa dos Santos’ report cited concerns over "insufficient evidence of public safety at the Maracanã," which has been rebuilt at a cost of £286M ($435M) for the World Cup finals next year. The FA has received reassurances that the matter can be resolved and that England’s final match of the season will take place (LONDON TIMES, 5/31).