FIFA 'Pleased' With Thailand's Preparations For November's Futsal World Cup

Football Association of Thailand President Worawi Makudi said that FIFA is "pleased with Thailand's preparations" for next month's Futsal World Cup and not worried about construction delays of the Bangkok Futsal Arena, according to Tor Chittinand of the BANGKOK POST. The stadium in Nong Chok was not finished before the Saturday deadline, and both Worawi and World Cup organizing committee Chair Suwat Liptapanlop insisted that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration "is to blame." Worawi, who is also a FIFA exec member, said that even if the stadium failed to be complete for the tournament, Thailand would "not lose credibility because the other three venues are enough" to stage the Nov. 1-18 World Cup. The other three stadiums are Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, Nimitbutr Gymnasium and Chatchai Hall. Worawi said, "I want to reiterate that FIFA is not worried because we have substitution plans" (BANGKOK POST, 10/25).