Rio 2016: IOC vice president John Coates insists Brazil can deliver an 'excellent' Games
IOC vice president John Coates has backtracked on his scathing criticism of preparations for the Rio 2016 Games
Last Updated: 01/05/14 7:53am
Australian Coates, 63, described construction as the "worst" he had ever seen at an Olympic forum in Sydney on Tuesday - revealing building work had not commenced on some venues, infrastructure was significantly delayed and water quality a major concern just two years ahead of the Games.
But after consulting IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, a senior troubleshooter sent to the host city last week, Coates insisted on Thursday that Rio could deliver an "excellent" Games.
He said: "Following my statements I want to underline that I still believe the Rio Organising Committee and the people of Brazil can indeed deliver an excellent Games in 2016.
"Mr Felli has provided me with a positive update of progress, as well as the support and positive response he is receiving from the organising committee. Time is of the essence but things are moving in the right direction."
Coates has made six visits to Rio as a member of the IOC Coordination Commission and said he had been forced to take "unprecedented" action, embedding experts in Rio's organising committee, to ensure the sporting spectacle proceeds.
Rio 2016 organisers issued a statement insisting they would deliver their "historic mission" with IOC support and Coates has moved to diffuse tensions further.
He added: "Rio 2016 is addressing the specific concerns that were raised by 17 international federations and the IOC has formed a special task force to try and speed up preparations.
"But the situation on the ground is critical," he said.
