( CNN ) -- Brazil is waiting to welcome the world for the biggest football tournament on the planet -- but has it taken its eye off the greatest show on earth -- the Olympics ? The South American nation was shamed Tuesday after International Olympic Vice President John Coates claimed Rio de Janeiro 's preparations for the 2016 Games was the `` worst '' he had ever witnessed . Coates , who has been involved in the Olympics for nearly 40 years , has made six trips to Rio as part of the commission involved in ensuring the Brazilian city is ready to host the Games . And while the World Cup , which starts on June 12 may take priority , Brazil 's ability to juggle two huge events has been called into question . `` It 's the worst that I 've experienced , '' he said in a statement ahead of a press conference in Sydney , Australia , where he was being asked about preparations for 2016 . `` We have become very concerned . They are not ready in many , many ways . `` We have to make it happen and that is the IOC approach . You ca n't walk away from this . '' Coates revealed Tuesday that the IOC has taken `` unprecedented '' action by placing experts in the local organizing committee to ensure the Games go ahead . But in a statement issued Tuesday , the Rio organizing committee insisted the city will host an `` excellent Games that will be delivered absolutely within the agreed timelines and budget . '' The committee also cited the recent announcement of the budget for both infrastructure and legacy projects , as well as the tender process for Olympic Park venues , as signs of progress . The statement added : `` The time has now passed when general discussions about the progress of preparations contribute to the journey towards the Games . `` The work being undertaken in partnership with the three levels of government -- federal , state and city -- is delivering progress . `` The support of the International Olympic Committee is also crucial . We have a historic mission : to organize the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil and in South America . We are going to achieve this . '' Ongoing concerns have prompted the IOC to agree to increase the frequency of visits -- led by Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli -- and establish dedicated task forces . Rio organizers announced earlier this month that Brazil will spend 24.1 billion reais ( $ 10.8 billion ) on infrastructure projects to ensure the Games are delivered on time . City mayor Eduardo Paes also stated that he was looking forward to Felli 's visit saying that there was `` no reason for concern '' and that the `` Olympic Park has nothing delayed . '' But Coates says the delays in construction and the lack of information available means the current state in Rio is worse than that seen in Athens in 2004 . `` The IOC has adopted a more hands-on role , '' said Coates . `` It is unprecedented for the IOC but there is no Plan B . We are going to Rio . '' But in a statement sent to CNN late Tuesday , the IOC appeared to play down Coates ' comments . `` Working together with our partners in Rio we have put in place a number of measures to support the Games , '' said the statement . `` Mr Felli has received a very positive response on the ground in the past few days , and a number of recent developments show that things are moving in the right direction . `` Now is a time to look forward to work together and to deliver great Games for Rio , Brazil and for the world , and not to engage in discussion of the past . `` We continue to believe that Rio is capable of providing outstanding Games . '' Brazilian army occupies Rio shantytown ahead of World Cup . The lead up to the Athens Games 10 years ago was marred by construction delays and service delivery , but the venues and infrastructure were delivered on time . Like Athens , Rio is experiencing similar problems . The Games , which are being held in South America for the first time in its history , have been beset by delays , soaring costs and bad communication . Coates has also voiced concerns that the IOC was unable to get the reassurances needed from the local organizing committee . `` No-one is able to give answers at the moment , '' he said . `` Can they use the car parks in the village for recovery centers ? What will be the time to take from this venue to this venue ? `` All of those things , they 're being fobbed off . '' Coates also claimed that only two people were working in Rio 's test event department with tournaments scheduled to start this year . WADA chief warns Brazil over Olympic construction delays .
Rio de Janeiro set to host 2016 Games . IOC vice-president says situation on the ground is `` critical '' John Coates says state of preparation worse than Athens in 2004 . Brazil currently preparing to host 2014 World Cup .