Following the death of Muhammed Ali Maciel,a 32-years old worker at Arena Pantanal stadium in Cuiaba while installing lights, the work at the stadium has been suspended.With some of the 2014 FIFA World Cup stadiums in Brazil yet to be completed; doubt continues to be casted on the possibility of having the stadiums ready before the commencement of the tournament.
The suspension was warranted according to a statement issued by Public Ministry of Brazil; the local labor ministry chief Jose Almeida said “what happened in this sector can also happen in another because procedures might not have been folleowed . It’s a preventative measure”.
Construction has been suspended pending the company responsible for the work; ETEL proves that health and safety standards were met according to the statement. The statemet also indicated that; Maciel was performing “a typical” duty without using appropriate safety equipment at the time of the accident.
With seats and electrical work still to be completely installed; the Arena Pantanal will be hosting four World Cup group matches, the first is the clash between Australia and Chile on June 13. Construction work is also in progress at Sao Paulo Itaquerao stadium which will play host to the tournament opener between host nation Brazil and Croatia, and also at Curtiba Arena da Baixada.