Football: Rio stadium closes over roof problems

Joao Havelange stadium, due to host athletics competition during 2016 Games, will shut down until matter is resolved.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s preparations for the World Cup and Olympic Games have run into further difficulties after the authorities indefinitely closed a Rio de Janeiro stadium because of roof problems.

The Joao Havelange stadium, due to host the athletics competition during the 2016 Games, will be shut down until the matter is resolved.

The stadium will not be used for the Confederations Cup in June or the 2014 World Cup.

Those who currently use the venue have been informed of the situation and asked to look for alternative locations.

Word of the closure comes as Rio’s emblematic Maracana stadium is undergoing a makeover amid concern that reconstruction was falling behind schedule.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2013.