Off the wire
Brazilian construction sector see sharp income drop in 2016  • Morocco's leading bank completes acquisition of Barclays Egypt  • UNICEF warns 75,000 refugees in European transit countries suffering psychologically  • GM China sales fall 1.9 percent, luxury brands up in April  • Interview: Beijing forum to send positive message on globalization, win-win cooperation: senior UN official  • Denmark to command NATO's northen fleet: defense minister  • Japanese firms to boost investments in Morocco: official  • Roundup: UN reports "grave violations" against Nigerian children by Boko Haram  • Rashford goal gives Manchester United advantage in Europa League semi  • Feature: Well-preserved body of Russian officer unearthed in Turkey  
You are here:   Home

Tragedy-hit Chapecoense to redevelop stadium

Xinhua, May 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

Grief-stricken Brazilian football club Chapecoense has received a grant from the Brazilian government to help upgrade its stadium.

President Michel Temer on Thursday pledged five million US dollars in public funds to the project, which previews the redevelopment of the southern and western stands of Arena Conda, in the southern Brazilian city of Chapeco.

Seventy-one people died, including 19 Chapecoense players and all of their coaching staff, when the LaMia charter plane in which the team was traveling slammed into a hillside near Medellin, Colombia, last November. There were just six survivors.

"The team no longer belongs just to this city, but to the world," Chapeco mayor Luciano Jose told reporters on Thursday.

"Starting with the solidarity shown by Colombia, Chapecoense has become dear to all of Brazil and the world.

The stadium refurbishment plans include provision for a new museum, featuring a memorial section paying homage to victims of the air disaster.

Officials said the venue's current capacity of around 23,000 spectators would be maintained. Endit