Preparations for the FIFA Futsal World Championship are proceeding onschedule with the start of the tournament less than a month away, setfor 18 November - 3 December.

The roof on the main hall, the 7,500-seat Polideportivo, has beencompleted, and now installation of the seats is all that remains. ThePolideportivo is a former open-air bullring, and the new structure isthe largest ever constructed in Central America.

Remodeling of the second site, the Teodoro Palacios Flores arena, isnearly completed, with the only remaining project there the seatingbowl. Most of the facilities in both arenas, such as dressing rooms,gates and lighting, are all completed, with the floors to be laid as thelast step.

"As we have agreed with the constructors, work will be finalized 30October, said Rafael Tinoco, president of the local organizingcommittee. "Every morning we come to check on the progress, because wemust be on time. In my opinion, it will be a reality; completion will beon time."

Added Rafael Salguero, FC Vice President, Central Zone: "There is nodelay, and now, we demonstrate the ability of the Guatemalan leadershipin organizing international events."

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