The Stadium is set to be the site of the 2014 World Cup Opening Ceremony and five other matches throughout the tournament.

The victims were thought to be installing a new roof onto one of the stands when the crane collapsed, crushing the workers.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said on Twitter: "I'm deeply saddened by the tragic death of workers @corinthians arena today.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with the families."

Secretary general of FIFA, Jérôme Valcke added: "Extremely shocked by the news from São Paulo.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of this accident.

"We are expecting details of the authorities who are investigating this tragic accident."

The Arena Corinthians, host of the World Cup opening game, was due to be finished next month following a deadline set by FIFA ©Getty Images

Brazil has been struggling to meet FIFA's completion deadlines for a number of their Stadiums drawing questions over their readiness for next year's World Cup.

As well as the incident today, work was temporarily halted at the Arena da Baixada Stadium in the city of Curitiba last month after a judge ruled there was a serious risk of accidents to workers carrying out building work on the site.

Following the incident, a statement on FIFA's website read: "FIFA and the LOC (Local Organising committee) have learned of the death of workers at the Corinthians Arena site in Sao Paulo with great sadness.

"We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the workers who tragically died today.

"The safety of workers is the top priority for FIFA, the LOC and the federal government.

"We know the safety of all workers has always been paramount for all the construction companies contracted to build the 12 FIFA World Cup stadiums.

"The Department of Labour and the local authorities will fully investigate the reasons behind such a tragic accident.

"Please understand that we are in no position to comment further at this stage, as we are awaiting further details from the authorities."

Corinthians, the club that is due to move into the Stadium following the World Cup released a short statement declaring that "The directors deeply regret the accident that occurred at the Arena."

"Because of the incident that occurred in work at Arena Corinthians on Wednesday afternoon, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista decreed seven days of mourning."

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