February 18 – Representatives of Brazil’s Cuiaba World Cup stadium have been quick to downplay suggestions that the venue is facing a race against time because of fire damage last October.
Reports have suggested that the still-unfinished Arena Pantanal stadium, due to host four group games, is still recovering from structural damage that had been previously unreported.
But a statement released by the local state of Mato Grosso (SECOPA-MT) insisted this was not the case.
“After inspecting the area affected by the fire, all necessary repairs were made, followed by concentrated load and resistance tests on the structures, which were conducted by structural engineers,” the statement said. ” The assessments were carried out by engineers who are experts on structural calculation.
“The reports submitted to SECOPA-MT by Concremat Engenharia e Teconologia S.A., the company in charge of construction at the Pantanal Arena, certify there is no structural damage to the venue.”
The statement added that as well as the scheduled World Cup games, a series of planned warm-up fixtures would also go ahead.
“SECOPA-MT can confirm that events at the Pantanal Arena will take place as planned, including two matches to be used as test events by FIFA: a Brazil Cup game between Mixto and Santos, scheduled for 2 April, and a Brazilian Championship Series B match between Luverdense and Vasco da Gama, scheduled for 26 April.”
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