2 May 2014

Coates moves to defuse tensions with Olympic organisers

11:51 am on 2 May 2014

Days after his dire warning about slack preparations for the 2016 Rio Games, International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates has moved to defuse tensions with Brazil organisers.

Coates now says Rio can deliver an "excellent" Olympics after contacting IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, a senior troubleshooter sent to the host city last week to help tackle delays.

Coates earlier this week described Rio's preparations for the Olympics as the worst he'd experienced saying the IOC had become very concerned because the Brazil was behind in many ways.

But he's now put out a satement saying things are moving in the right direction.

Two years out from the Rio Games, construction of Olympic venues remains worrisome.

Beyond construction issues, Rio must also work on cleansing sewage-contaminated water in Guanabara Bay, which is set to host sailing and windsurfing vents.

A further embarrassment for Rio was the closure of the Engenhao stadium, built seven years ago and set to host athletics.

It has structural problems with its roof and repairs were running behind schedule.