Despite all the appearances of having had a successful test of the World Cup stadium, Arena de Sao Paulo (Corinthians Arena), FIFA have asked for another match to be held to test the facilities wider.

This would have been Corinthians playing Cruzeiro at the arena on Thursday 29 May but the 4pm kick off would have coincided with rush hour in this congested city.  That game has now been moved to another ground, and a new match has been organised for 1 June.

FIFA has said:-

Given the attention drawn from the Opening Match of the World Cup, it is vital for the organisers that all facilities will be tested under full match conditions, including the use of temporary seats and associated facilities. These additional installations were not in place when the first test match took place on 19 May.san_paulo_arena_feat

The decision was taken to have the match on a Sunday rather than a weekday to reduce the impact on the city’s operational routine, after a request from local authorities.

FIFA’s general secretary said on Twitter

Jérôme Valcke @jeromevalcke
The 2nd test event ahead of opening #WorldCup match will be staged at Arena de São Paulo on 1 June. CBF to re-allocate League match. (1/2)

It vital for us that all facilities will be tested under full match conditions including the temporary seats & associated facilities. (2/2)

By Hants