BREAKING NEWS

Rio's Olympic preparations "the worst", says IOC

MELBOURNE - International Olympic CommitteeV ice President John Coates has called Brazil's preparations for the 2016 Rio Games "the worst" in his experience and critically behind schedule, but warned there was no "plan B" to find another host.

Attending an Olympic forum in Sydney, Coates told delegates that construction had not commenced on some venues, infrastructure was significantly delayed and water quality was also a major concern two years out from the Games.

"The IOC has formed a special task force to try and speed up preparations but the situation is critical on the ground," Coates said on Tuesday in a statement released by the Australian Olympic Commission, which transcribed some of his comments at the forum.

"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."