Dutch Eredivisie football club AZ Alkmaar has hired engineering and consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV to conduct an investigation after part of the roof collapsed at AFAS Stadion.
Officials from Royal HaskoningDHV and the municipality of Alkmaar inspected the site yesterday (Sunday) following the incident, which occurred amid strong winds in the Netherlands.
The incident, which saw the centre of the Molenaar Stand cave in on itself, did not cause any injuries.
AZ said in a statement that all possible causes are being investigated, adding that it cannot comment further until the investigation has been completed.
AZ general manager Robert Eenhoorn said: “This surprised us all. We are very shocked but especially happy that there was no human suffering. In the coming days we will conduct a study with experts in this field. Only when that investigation has been done can we elaborate on the matter. It is much too early for that now.
“No matches will be played in the stadium if the situation is not safe. Once we have more clarity about our upcoming matches, we will report it as soon as possible.”
AZ played away at RKC Waalwijk yesterday, picking up a 2-0 victory. AZ is due to play Ukrainian team Mariupol at home in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday and the match is likely to be rescheduled.
AFAS Stadion has a capacity of 17,000 and opened in 2006.
Image: AZ Alkmaar
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