The Julio Delamare Aquatic Park, located next to the famous Maracanã Stadium, had been earmarked to host first-phase matches.

But the Rio State Government claimed  it cannot justify spending the $20 million (£12.8 million/€17.9 million) needed to bring the venue up to Olympic standard.

"It would be very costly,” said chief of staff Leonardo Espindola.

“A refurbishment to serve the local community, which has always been its purpose, should cost half that amount.”

A third-party consortium which funded the Maracanã Stadium renovation last year also refused to back the project. 

A replacement venue has yet to be decided on although Espindola said either the Olympic Park, where diving and swimming events are taking place, or the Deodoro venue, could be used. 

Concerns still also remain around the state of Guanabara Bay, the venue for sailing events.

High levels of water pollution and physical debris across the Bay have been a particular challenge over recent years, with concerns heightening when it emerged Government forces responsible for reducing levels had not signed a contract to buy more boats from where rubbish can be collected.

The Brazilian Government have pledged to clean up the area ahead the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with officials claiming 80 per cent of the waste will be treated, although Rio Mayer Eduardo Paes has admitted this target will not be met. 

International Sailing Federation President, Carlo Croce, and vice-president, Scott Perry, have previously met with International Olympic Committee officials, including President Thomas Bach, to discuss the issue.

But Espindola insists the Bay will ready to host the next scheduled test event, due to take place from August 8 to 18. 

"There is no chance to change the field of play," he said. 

"The sailing will take place in Guanabara Bay."

The latest setbacks for Rio 2016 come amid a strike by Olympic construction workers who are demanding higher pay.

Roughly 70 per cent of around 12,000 workers took part in the strike, which affected several Olympic construction sites.


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