Rio's city government said after the incident that it had asked Flamengo "nearly 30 times" to close the facility because it did not have the appropriate permits. The city said the dormitory was built on an area that was only licensed for use as a parking lot.

"That [the absence of permits] doesn't have anything to do with what occurred," Belotti said. "We've been asked to show nine certificates and we have eight. We are working on it with the fire department.

"This area was well known to everyone. It was comfortable and adequate. We were proud of it. The truth is that it was a tragic accident. It was not because of a lack of investment or care by Flamengo."

The three injured survivors remained in hospital on Saturday, one in a serious condition, according to a Rio health department spokesman.

Ten other teenagers who were sleeping in the dormitory when the fire broke out escaped unharmed.

Rio mayor Marcelo Crivella declared three days of official mourning as a mark of respect to the victims. Flamengo's Guanabara Cup semifinal against Fluminense was shifted from Saturday to next Thursday.