By Mark Baber
March 28 – Joao Havelange stadium, which has been the main football venue in Rio de Janeiro as the Maracana is undergoing renovation, has had to close down due to serious structural problems with the roof and is unlikely to reopen any time soon.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said on Tuesday that it was unacceptable that the stadium, which was only completed six years ago, had structural problems in the roof which mean that it now poses a risk for spectators if the wind reaches over 63 km per hour. He undertook to ensure those responsible would be held to account.
On Wednesday the extent of the problem became clear as engineers said it will take up to two months just to find a solution.
The stadium, known as the Engenhão, was built for the 2007 Pan American Games by the Consorcio Engenhão, which is working with local government to find a solution.
According to an engineering report roof supports, in four corners of the stadium, are cracked and the massive cover is moving, beyond the expected amounts, depending on wind.
The news is a major blow to Rio’s image with the World Cup and Olympics coming up, but also a major problem for Fluminense, Flamengo, Vasco da Gama and Botafogo who will have to find alternative venues for their games as the Maracana is not set to reopen until the end of April.
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