Rio 2016 Preparations are ‘worst’ Ever says Concerned IOC Vice President

Preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the ‘worst’ ever seen according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President John Coates.

Brazil has come under increased scrutiny for the slow progress in preparing for both Rio 2016 and the FIFA 2014 World Cup which kicks off in just under 45 days.

Australian Coates (pictured) said the situation was ‘critical’ and that there was no ‘Plan B.’

“The situation is critical on the ground,” said Coates. “The IOC has adopted a more hands-on role. It is unprecedented for the IOC but there is no Plan B. We are going to Rio.”

Coates added: “It’s the worst that I’ve experienced. We have become very concerned. They are not ready in many, many ways.

“We have to make it happen and that is the IOC approach. You can’t walk away from this.”

Venues across Rio have been hampered by delays, with some sports concerned they will not even be able to host a test event.

Coates confirmed that construction on some venues had not even started, whilst others are significantly delayed.

Worse than Athens 2004

He also added that the situation was worse than for the 2004 Games in Athens where similar concerns were raised, although the organising committee did produce the venues and infrastructure on time.

Coates, who was involved in the organising committee for Sydney 2000 also said that a lack of communication from Brazil was proving to be frustrating for the IOC.

“No-one is able to give answers at the moment,” he said.

“Can they use the car parks in the village for recovery centres? What will be the time to take from this venue to this venue?

“All of those things, they’re being fobbed off.”

He added that despite Rio 2016 having the same number of staff as London 2012 did at the same stage, the people in Brazil did not have the same experience as in London.