Iffy Situation Develops for Land Set Aside for Rio Olympics Course


A legal dispute has developed over the ownership of the site designated for the development of a golf course for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The International Olympic Committee said it has been notified of the situation.

The president of the coordination commission for the 2016 Games, Nawal El Moutawakel, signed an order in Rio de Janeiro provided by a court official outlining the dispute, which was considered a distinct possibility for the property within the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood that will hold most of the Olympic venues.

The land is owned by two separate companies. The Games organizers said they received guarantees from the current owner but, according to The Associated Press, a judge has already said that any contracts made over the land will eventually be deemed illegal and nullified in case a court ruling goes against him.

The IOC did not immediately respond to a message from the AP requesting comment.