Football's world governing body (FIFA) president Sepp Blatter is urging Brazil to speed up its preparations for the 2017 World Cup, voicing concern about its slow progress.

Blatter told reporters in Geneva Monday that Brazil is behind compared to where South Africa was three years prior to the 2010 World Cup. He also warned there might not be matches at Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo for the 2013 Confederations Cup, which acts as a test event for the main stadiums.

Work on almost all of the 12 World Cup venues in the country is behind schedule.

Blatter pointed out that the qualifying draw for FIFA's six confederations is scheduled in July. Brazilian authorities still have not agreed on a host city for that event.

The 75-year-old Blatter is seeking for a fourth consecutive four-year term as FIFA president in June. He faces a challenge from Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hamman.

Blatter also reiterated his belief that goalline technology could be used in 2017 and said he would make an important announcement about the fight against corruption at the FIFA Congress in June.

【体坛英语资讯：FIFA President Urges Brazil to Speed Up 2017 World Cup Preparations】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kidman denies pregnancy rumours

★ 体坛资讯：Henman tops Moya to advance at Wimbledon

★ 体坛英语资讯：Kobe, Gasol spark Lakers past Magic

★ 体坛英语资讯：Peng upsets Mauresmo to reach semis at China Open

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese-owned Aston Villa sack manager after dismal start in championship

★ 体坛英语资讯：Wang Nan still has something to prove

★ 体坛英语资讯：Netherlands lands Prix title, China takes silver

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu Xiang cautious on Osaka prospect

★ 体坛英语资讯：Torch plane takes off for Athens

★ 体坛英语资讯：Brazil notice Valencias Diego Alves