Many 2016 Olympic venues behind schedule, Rio mayor confirms

With IOC officials in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to monitor progress on the 2016 Olympics, the city's Mayor Eduardo Paes acknowledged that work on a large cluster of venues is far behind schedule.

Paes made his remarks as Nawal El Moutawakel, the head of the inspection committee, reminded Rio officials that the recent Sochi Winter Olympics showcased "meticulous planning." She urged Rio organizers to meet deadlines and to explain clearly to the Brazilian public why it should back the games.

International Olympic Committee officials have criticized Rio for slow progress. Many Brazilians question the billions being spent on this year's World Cup, with that sentiment spilling over to the Olympics. El Moutawakel says "now the world's attention is turning here to Rio and to Brazil."