The resignation of Marcio Fortes, head of the Olympic Public Authority for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, was confirmed Wednesday. Fortes complained that the office had lost its influence.
The APO coordinated preparations for the Games between Brazil’s federal, state and local governments, but is not responsible for delivery or construction of Olympic related projects.
ESPN reports the resignation may concern inspectors from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who will be in Rio at the end of the month to assess progress on preparations for the Games. The IOC has expressed concerns that planning and construction are moving slowly.
Leo Gryner, chief operation officer of Rio 2016, has acknowledged $700 million in public money may be needed to cover a shortfall in the operating budget and also that Rio got a late start on Games construction.
