The Futsal World Cup in Thailand descended into chaos yesterday as FIFA said the tournament’s showpiece arena, due to host the final among other games, would not be ready in time to stage any matches.

The announcement came with the indoor tournament’s group stage already under way and only eight days before the Bangkok Futsal Arena, which has been dogged by delays during construction, was due to host its first games – two quarter-final ties.

The ties will be played at alternative venues in Bang-kok, FIFA said as soccer’s world governing body was left to deal with another crisis in the game.

“Although further significant progress has been made, including the installation of a pitch, the key criteria laid out on October 31 have not been sufficiently met,” FIFA said.

The quarter-final matches on November 14 would now be played at Bangkok’s Nimi-butr Stadium, while the semi-finals and final would be hosted at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium Huamark.

Both stadiums have al-ready successfully hosted group stage matches.

Twenty-four teams are taking part in the four-yearly event of the smaller indoor version of soccer.