IOC Exec Dir Gilbert Felli said that the smooth running of the World Cup "has lifted the mood of Brazilians and given them the confidence to overcome delays and deliver the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on time," according to the AP.
Felli said that the situation "has improved since he was dispatched" for Rio two months ago. He said that there is "no reason to panic and that Brazilian organizers will complete the mountain of work still needed over the next two years -- with constant monitoring."
Felli said that there are "no plans to move any venues as some sports federations had feared, and he predicted that most construction projects will be back on schedule by the end of September." Felli:
"Of course it remains tense, very tense, but we should look with more optimism." While "serious concerns" remain, Felli said that the World Cup "has instilled a new sense of optimism in Brazil." He said, "The perception of the World Cup is that it's positive. We can see the reverse of the mood of the Brazilians about the World Cup. ... The perception of the Brazilians is much more positive. It's good for the games" (AP, 7/8).
