By Nick Butler at the Rio 2016 Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The meeting was described as "crucial" at the end of the Coordination Commission today ©ITGMarch 21 - A "fundamentally important" meeting will be held next week between organisers of the Olympics and Paralympics and different levels of the Brazilian Government to resolve many key decisions relating to Rio 2016, it has been revealed. 


Although a regular meeting, its timing following the conclusion of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission visit here today adds extra significance and was described as "more important than other meetings with a need to have a positive outcome" by IOC Executive Director Gilbert Felli.

The meeting, due to be held in Brasilia next Thursday (March 27), will be attended by Federal, State and City level authorities and key Games stakeholders, including Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff's chief of staff Aloizio Mercadente, although no one from the IOC will be present.

No exact details on the likely contents of the meeting were given, beyond the clarification of "responsibilities for each Games-related project, along with the associated funding".

But it can be assumed the total infrastructural budget of the Games, along with anti-doping, environmental pledges, and the location for media hotels will all feature highly.

Although they spoke positively about progress in many areas, the IOC once again highlighted there is "not a moment to lose" ahead of the first test event being held this August and that "a constant, concerted and integrated effort is required for the successful delivery of the Games and its legacy".

The meeting follows three days of discussions and venue tours here in Rio ©Rio 2016/Alex FerroThe meeting follows three days of discussions and venue tours here in Rio
©Rio 2016



With regards to many of the issues which have dogged the headlines in recent months relating to the Games, a picture of cautious optimism was painted by the IOC today as the Coordination Commission displayed traditional reluctance to criticise an Organising Committee.

Following a shoot-out last night in the Manguinhos favela complex which included multiple deaths and shots being fired on a police outpost and a Brazilian Government report leaked yesterday describing "a difficult relationship between people and society in Rio", security concerns were raised once again. 

Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the Coordination Commission, reiterated security is "something that is a top priority of the IOC but also for Rio 2016 and the Government" before adding: "We are sad about what happened yesterday but are sure that all three levels of Government are working to maintain security."

Similar confidence was given about measures to clean up the polluted waters of Rio, particularly the Guanabara Bay location for sailing ahead of August's test event, as well as with regards to anti-doping.

Felli admitted this was a "sensitive subject" before revealing that "a calendar has been put in place between the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IOC for during the Games and for the certification of the laboratory at the Federal University in the city".

Following reports this week of a proposed move of the Media Village from the Porto region during the Games, Felli did admit this had come "a little bit as a surprise" before insisting that the IOC are "working very nicely together with the Organising Committee and in coming weeks will be able to come back with a solution".

Removing debris from the sailing venue at Guanabara Bay remains a key aim ©Getty ImagesRemoving debris from the sailing venue at Guanabara Bay remains a key aim ©Getty Images



In her address to close the Commission visit, El Moutawakel cited the importance of a sustainable legacy because "that is how Brazilians will remember the Games", before speaking positively about the Deodoro region they had visited yesterday.

She admitted that this is a project under "intense pressure" but proclaimed that it is in an "area with potential" and the city should be commended for "taking on the additional responsibility of this central piece of the Games and its legacy".

She then concluded by wishing Brazil "all the best for the World Cup later this year".

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