RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL—A stadium that was due to host the athletics at the 2016 Olympic games has been closed indefinitely because of severe roofing problems. The Joao Havelange stadium was built only six years ago, and it is currently used as the main football venue in the city of Rio.
The stadium was preparing for two major sporting events in the 2016 Olympics, sources say. The authorities have also acknowledged delays in work on the Maracana and a funding problem at the stadium set to host the opening match at the World Cup.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes told news correspondents that he had heard of the structural difficulties only recently.
“I asked if this represented a risk for spectators and they told me it did, depending on the wind speed and temperature.” Paes stated. “On that basis, I immediately decided to close the stadium until we have more details.”
Paes went on further to state that it was unacceptable to have a stadium with such problems, and warned that those who were responsible would be held at fault. The stadium had opened late and over budget in 2007.
By: Julia Roake
Source: BBC News
Image: BBC News
27 March 2013
09:30am PDT