Rio Olympic stadium closed due to roof risk

The stadium due to be the focus of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has been closed because the roof poses a danger to fans.

The Joao Havelange stadium was built only six years ago and at £130 million was way over budget.

It is to host the athletics at the Games and was also in use as a football venue in the city while the Maracana stadium is renovated for next year’s World Cup.

Rio mayor Eduardo Paes said he decided to close it immediately after constructors notified him of the structural problems.

“I asked them if these problems posed a threat to fans and the answer was ‘Yes’, depending on circumstances such as wind velocity and temperature,” he said. “There was a risk, so I decided to close the stadium immediately until we have more details about the solution.”

His decision comes as Brazil is behind on the construction of stadiums and key infrastructure for the World Cup. Local Olympic organisers downplayed the possibility that the problem will affect the 2016 Games, insisting that a solution will be found.

The organising committee said in a statement it has “full confidence that the city of Rio de Janeiro will take the necessary measures to guarantee that the Olympic Stadium is ready.”