IOC backs Rio preparations after stadium closure
Source: Agencies |
March 28, 2013, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE IOC says it is "absolutely confident" in Rio de Janeiro's preparations for the 2016 Olympics despite the temporary closure of the stadium that will host track and field events at the Games.
Rio authorities said on Tuesday they decided to shut the Joao Havelange Stadium because of structural problems with the roof.
International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said in Lausanne, Switzerland, that the IOC is "in regular contact with Rio 2016."
Adams told The Associated Press "there are still more than 3-1/2 years to go before the Games and we are absolutely confident that they will deliver."
Track and field's governing body said it is monitoring the situation.
IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said, "We have noted this and will keep a very close eye on developments."
Olympic organizers in Brazil said they have "full confidence that the city of Rio de Janeiro will take the necessary measures to guarantee that the Olympic Stadium is ready" for the Games and test events.
Earlier, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said that the Joao Havelange Stadium, home to the Botafogo football club, will be shut down until the matter is resolved.
"The stadium will remain closed indefinitely," he said. "If it takes a year, then it will be closed for a year."
After being informed of the problems by the company working on the structure, Paes said he asked if they represented a risk for fans.
"The answer was yes," Paes said in remarks quoted by the O Globo newspaper. "We cannot play around with an issue like this."
Word of the closure comes as Rio's emblematic Maracana Stadium, which hosted the final of the 1950 World Cup, is undergoing a makeover amid concern that reconstruction was falling behind schedule.
Rio authorities said on Tuesday they decided to shut the Joao Havelange Stadium because of structural problems with the roof.
International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said in Lausanne, Switzerland, that the IOC is "in regular contact with Rio 2016."
Adams told The Associated Press "there are still more than 3-1/2 years to go before the Games and we are absolutely confident that they will deliver."
Track and field's governing body said it is monitoring the situation.
IAAF spokesman Nick Davies said, "We have noted this and will keep a very close eye on developments."
Olympic organizers in Brazil said they have "full confidence that the city of Rio de Janeiro will take the necessary measures to guarantee that the Olympic Stadium is ready" for the Games and test events.
Earlier, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said that the Joao Havelange Stadium, home to the Botafogo football club, will be shut down until the matter is resolved.
"The stadium will remain closed indefinitely," he said. "If it takes a year, then it will be closed for a year."
After being informed of the problems by the company working on the structure, Paes said he asked if they represented a risk for fans.
"The answer was yes," Paes said in remarks quoted by the O Globo newspaper. "We cannot play around with an issue like this."
Word of the closure comes as Rio's emblematic Maracana Stadium, which hosted the final of the 1950 World Cup, is undergoing a makeover amid concern that reconstruction was falling behind schedule.
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