On your marks, get set, don’t go: delays jeopardise 2016 Rio games

A confidential report by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) obtained by the newspaper O Estado de S Paulo reveals alarming delays have already put the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro at risk.

Details from the classified document published at the weekend point out that Rio is unprepared for the event and is suffering severe financial problems.

Some of the challenges already facing the city include incomplete stadiums, venues and locations for sporting events that still remain unidentified, a lack of sponsorship, and a chronic shortage of hotel rooms.

One of the main areas of concern is the infrastructure. The IOC calls for “very careful monitoring” of Metro Line 4, which will connect the city and Olympic venues, and the rapid bus routes, all of which are behind schedule.

The report indicates that there is a real risk of insufficient buses to transport spectators, and insists that contingency plans must be put in place.

The document has 44 chapters and is divided into three coloured sections: green highlights areas that are up to date; yellow covers projects that are endangered; and red represents the delays that are so severe they have already affected the Games. Only half of the preparations and projects for the Games are on time.

The report is being officially presented this week in meetings between the IOC, the government and representatives from Rio.