'Fatal fire caused by energy spike,' says Flamengo CEO Reinaldo Belotti

Flamengo defended its management of the training ground where a fire tragically killed 10 of its academy players - all aged between 14 and 16 years old. 

The chief executive officer of the club Flamengo, Reinaldo Belotti said, "The Fire Department forensics team told us and to some Flamengo employees. The problem started at the air conditioning unit."

He added, "Nobody can guarantee why it started at that unit. These devices went through maintenance checking the day before. They were perfectly fine." 

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"Flamengo did a maintenance checking in all air conditioning units. All of them. We have this documented for anyone who would like to see it," said Belotti. 

There were reports that stated that Rio de Janeiro's city hall has fined Flamengo 31 times because of infractions at the Ninho do Urubu training ground, which had to be closed in October 2017. 

However, The club did not pay 21 of those fines and the current permit issued for the grounds is valid until 8th March. 

City hall also said the sleeping quarters where the tragedy took place was irregularly licensed as a parking lot.