World Cup chief issues venue warning

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Nov 11, 2006 (AFP) - World Cup chief executive Chris Dehring told the nine venues hosting next year's Caribbean tournament that they could be stripped of matches if their preparations are not up to scratch.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) next Wednesday begins a tour of all the venues starting in Barbados, which will host the final. But Dehring issued a stern warning to those whose preparations for the event are deemed to be below the mark. “The ICC, Cricket World Cup 2007 and all the major stakeholders in the event will be carrying out a thorough inspection and assessment of the preparedness of all host venues one final time during the coming weeks,”Dehring told reporters. “If there are countries not meeting the requirements, our board and the ICC are fully prepared to take the tough decisions and relocate matches to those host venues which demonstrate they are ready.