Lebanon's Camille Chamoun Stadium falls into disrepair - in pictures

  • The Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut has started to fall into a state of disrepair. All photos: AFP
    The Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut has started to fall into a state of disrepair. All photos: AFP
  • The stadium was once a jewel in Lebanon's sporting crown.
    The stadium was once a jewel in Lebanon's sporting crown.
  • The stadium was home to the 1997 Pan-Arab Games.
    The stadium was home to the 1997 Pan-Arab Games.
  • It also hosted the 2000 Asian Football Cup and the 2009 Francophonie Games.
    It also hosted the 2000 Asian Football Cup and the 2009 Francophonie Games.
  • Lebanon's top football stadium once hosted some of the planet's best players.
    Lebanon's top football stadium once hosted some of the planet's best players.
  • In happier times, fireworks exploded during the opening ceremony of the 8th Pan Arab Games in 1997.
    In happier times, fireworks exploded during the opening ceremony of the 8th Pan Arab Games in 1997.
  • Today, the stadium is neglected.
    Today, the stadium is neglected.
  • The blast-hit arena is sometimes used as a cereal warehouse.
    The blast-hit arena is sometimes used as a cereal warehouse.
  • The sports facility is just one of several nationwide to have fallen into disrepair.
    The sports facility is just one of several nationwide to have fallen into disrepair.
  • Some 3,000 athletes from 19 Arab countries took part in the games.
    Some 3,000 athletes from 19 Arab countries took part in the games.
  • Another casualty of Lebanon's economic crisis.
    Another casualty of Lebanon's economic crisis.
  • The stadium has not been used for more than 10 years.
    The stadium has not been used for more than 10 years.
  • The noise of cheering fans is now a distant memory.
    The noise of cheering fans is now a distant memory.
  • Interior shots shows the scale of work needed to get the facility back up and running.
    Interior shots shows the scale of work needed to get the facility back up and running.
  • The stadium is now just a stark reminder of Lebanon's past.
    The stadium is now just a stark reminder of Lebanon's past.