Osmar Stabile admits maintenance deficit at Neo Química Arena and outlines refurbishment plan | OneFootball

Corinthians will use the 2026 World Cup pause to begin a full maintenance programme at Neo Química Arena after a year of criticism over the stadium’s condition.

"All maintenance at Neo Química Arena that falls to Corinthians is carried out by us. We have contracted companies that follow the established directives. They are split by areas, each responsible for its commitments, both inside and outside the stadium," said president Osmar Stabile, speaking to Voz da Arquibancada.

Earlier this season, toilets in the South Sector were closed during the match with Internacional because multiple urinals were blocked, an issue that also occurred in the East Sector.

"There is, in fact, a maintenance deficit, and it is not recent. We initially said there was a deficit of around R$ 30 million. Later we realised the figure was even higher because preventive works that should have been done over the years were not carried out," he added.

On 7 June, less than 24 hours after the Brazil v United States friendly, pitch maintenance began at the Arena.

"When we talk about maintenance, we refer to both preventive and corrective. In the past the focus was largely on corrective. Now there are formalised, documented plans for corrective, preventive and predictive maintenance to avoid problems, and work is under way on cleaning, organisation and infrastructure," Stabile said.

The Arena is not expected to host matches again until late July, with a provisional date of 22 July for Corinthians v Remo in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao