Birch, who played a major role in Ceremonies at the Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics as well as at the Turin 2006 Winter edition, is regarded as the "Master of Ceremonies" worldwide due to his role in producing so many major large events.

The Australian was appointed associate producer for the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremonies three years ago as part of his new role as executive producer of Filmmaster Events.

He has been playing no role for around a year, he claimed, suggesting budget cuts were at the heart of his decision.

“We spent 2012, 2013 and 2014 planning Ceremonies on a certain budget," he told the Daily Telegraph in Australia, 

“But then economies started crashing, and by June last year the extent of budget cuts had become apparent.

"It wasted three years of work.”

insidethegames was told today that Birch had been playing little role with the Olympic Opening Ceremony but had been associate producer of the Paralympic version.

Birch quit his post following a disagreement, it is thought, while Rio 2016 organisers claim the Ceremonies budget has remained unchanged since being confirmed in mid-2015.

Given his experience and reputation, however, his absence will be a blow nonetheless, coming at a time when fears are rising over widespread spending cuts as Brazil remains locked in the midst of its worst recession in 25 years.

Rio 2016 ceremonies executive producer Marco Ballich told insidethegames today that the events are"not going to be the most expensive but it will convey plenty of joy and beauty".

The Olympic Opening Ceremony cost is thought to be as little as 10 per cent of the £27 million ($41.5 million/€36 million) allocated by London 2012. 

Ballich is, nevertheless, confident they will be a success when the Olympics are due to open at the Maracanã Stadium on August 5,