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The Cuban government announced the renovation of the historic La Polar soccer stadium in Havana, thanks to a multi-million dollar investment.
It is anticipated that the works will be completed in February, after nearly 12 years since the restoration project was approved and initiated by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
"Now we have in the country 1.7 million dollars worth of materials for La Polar; we have the stands, the locker rooms, the irrigation system, the lights, so we are going to have a stadium with the facilities to host national and international matches," revealed to Cubavisión Internacional José Yulier Herranz from the Cuban Football Association (AFC).
Located in Puentes Grandes, the La Polar field will be fully operational by March. Founded in 1929, it is one of the oldest active sports grounds in Cuba.
"All the socio-administrative infrastructure of La Polar has been purchased (...) and together with the Government of Havana, we are now constructing the foundations where these structures will be located," stated Oliet Rodríguez, president of the AFC.
According to the official, the goal is to play in March the qualifying match for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, in which the Cuban national team will face Trinidad and Tobago in home-and-away matches.
These improvements are made possible thanks to the funds that FIFA provides to Cuba to develop football, and if the government made proper use of these resources, without waste or theft, sports on the Island would have already emerged from the historical stagnation it suffers from.
From 2016 to 2022, the international organization donated $8 million to the Cuban Football Federation, out of a total of $11.4 million approved.
The La Polar stadium itself has received funding more than once.
In 2017, thanks to FIFA's Goal Project, a synthetic field was built on their grounds, the first of its kind in the country. At that time, there was also an announcement regarding a new grandstand to replace the old one, which collapsed, as well as the creation of benches, locker rooms for the players, and a cafeteria.
Six years later, the writer Ariel Maceo reported that "they finally put in the grass, but the stands were never installed," and emphasized that the regime "has swallowed FIFA's money several times, and worse, mocks it."
Frequently Asked Questions about the restoration of the La Polar stadium in Havana
What investment has been made for the restoration of La Polar Stadium?
The restoration of the La Polar stadium has involved an investment of 1.7 million dollars, allocated for materials for seating, dressing rooms, irrigation systems, and lighting, among other elements.
When is the La Polar stadium expected to be ready?
It is expected that the restoration of the La Polar stadium will be completed in February, and it will be ready for full use in March, coinciding with the qualifying match for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
What will be the use of the La Polar stadium after its restoration?
The La Polar stadium will be used for national and international football matches. Initially, it is expected to host Cuba's qualifying match for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup against Trinidad and Tobago.
What is the historical significance of La Polar stadium in Cuba?
Founded in 1929, La Polar Stadium is one of the oldest active sports venues in Cuba. It has been an iconic place for soccer on the island, and its restoration aims to regain its importance in Cuban sport.
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