Romario seeks transparency at Rio 2016 committee

SAO PAULO – Brazilian congressman and former soccer star Romario has called for more transparency at the Rio 2016 organizing committee.

Romario says organizers of the 2016 Olympics must release all information on the committee's finances, including the officials' salaries.

The first-time congressman said although the committee is a private entity, it needs to be transparent because it receives public funds for many of its activities.

Rio 2016 Committee President Carlos Nuzman dismissed Romario's appeal, saying that all the body's financial dealings are being reported to the government's watchdog groups.

However, organizers admitted salaries of the committee's officials have not been made public.

Romario questioned local organizers during a hearing by a congressional commission that regularly invites them to give updates on Brazil's preparations for games.