The list of problems at Arena Pantanal is so long that the stadium had to be urgently closed for repair works. Water pouring through ceilings, systems not working properly and significant damages require attention from the general contractor.

State authorities of Mato Grosso carried out thorough inspection of Arena Pantanal on Wednesday and the following day released an official statement. Arena Pantanal is now closed due to serious flaws found at the World Cup stadium.

The building requires "emergency repairs to resolve diverse construction problems with the aim of offering safety to users," the state government that owns the stadium said in a statement on Thursday.

Heavy seasonal rains caused the stadium to leak throughout, including offices and basements. Although Cuiaba is used to almost daily downpours in the rainy season "the (architectural) project did not take the strong rains into account," state secretary of strategic projects Gustavo de Oliveira told Reuters.

Aside of the leaks, air conditioning and lifts are not operating, while the electric system has already caused serious threat to life last year. On one of the matchdays a mounted police horse was electrocuted to death while standing outside the stadium.

Initial repairs are to start this week and the stadium will be reopened for three months between February and May because state championship games will be held there and heavy rain makes building work difficult.

© Governo do Mato Grosso

© Governo do Mato Grosso