Rio stadium due to host 2016 Olympics has been without electricity and water for a week due to unpaid bills-Sky News

1/5/16, "Olympic Stadium Cut Off Over Unpaid Bills," Sky News

"The arena has been without electricity and water for a week following a disagreement over repairs and an unpaid bill for $225,000."

"The Rio de Janeiro stadium due to host athletics in this year's Olympic Games has had its electricity and water cut off in a row over unpaid bills.

The Joao Havelange stadium, which has the capacity to seat 45,000 spectators, reportedly owes around $225,000 (£153,000).

It is the home ground of Rio's Botafogo football team, which was previously responsible for the costs of running the stadium.

But this month the club returned management of the arena to Brazil's government while preparations got under way for the Olympics.

Botafogo's managers say the utility bills should be paid by the government because the club did not receive payments owed to them when the ground closed for repairs for two years in 2013.

Government officials and the club's managers have met to try to resolve the issue, but both sides have declined to comment.

Although the Joao Havelange stadium will host the athletics events, the opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Rio's Maracana stadium."



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