FIFA drops Bangkok Futsal stadium

Football’s governing body FIFA has forced Thailand to move the knockout stages of the Futsal World Cup from a purpose-built $40 million stadium after the venue failed safety tests. A FIFA inspection team found the Bangkok Futsal Arena “will not be ready” to host the main games of the indoor football competition including the Nov.18 final, the body said in a statement. Despite spending of a reported $40 million, the venue has been dogged by construction problems including a delay until late last week of the delivery of the wooden flooring that makes up the pitch. “The safety of spectators, teams and all other visitors to the stadium are of paramount importance. FIFA... therefore concluded that such a fundamental issue... cannot be compromised.”