Stadium work partially suspended

16 December 2013 10:46

Work on the stadium where England are due to play their opening World Cup match in Brazil has been partially suspended.

A construction worker died at the site of the Arena Amazonia in Manaus on Saturday, prompting a labour court to order a halt to all work being conducted high above ground until they are satisfied that conditions are safe.

England are set to kick off their Group D campaign at the stadium on June 14 against Italy and the tragedy is the latest in a series of setbacks for organisers.

The state government's unit responsible for overseeing the construction is confident though that the suspension will be lifted soon.

A statement from the Amazonas state government read: "During the day on Saturday and Sunday the Amazon state government, through the project management unit of the World Cup, was at the construction site of the Arena Amazonia watching the work performed on site after the fatality occurred early on Saturday.

"Around noon on Sunday we took note of the notification of the Labour Court for the immediate partial stoppage of work. The decision should be applied to activities (carried out at) height, notably cover mounting and on the facade of the stadium.

"The decision was immediately acted upon by (construction company Andrade Gutierrez) and it is taking the appropriate measures for the full resumption of work. Other services will continue normally, starting from Monday."

The Arena Amazonia is also due to host three other matches at next summer's finals.

The death in Manaus brings the number of workers killed during construction of World Cup venues to five, including two who died last month when a crane collapsed at the Itaquera Arena in Sao Paulo, which is to hold the opening ceremony and first match of the finals between Brazil and Croatia.

FIFA has said the Sao Paulo stadium will not be completed until mid-April now, less than two months before the start of the tournament.

The world governing body extended its sympathies after the latest death.

A statement said: "FIFA and the local organising committee (LOC) learnt of the death of the worker on Saturday at the Arena Amazonia site with great sadness.

"We would like to send our most sincere condolences to his family, relatives, colleagues and friends."

Source: PA