Swimming chiefs have hit out at the decision not to build a roof over the main Olympic swimming venue in Athens. The sport's world governing body, Fina, said swimmers, officials and spectators needed protection from the sun and high temperatures in the Greek capital.
"Fina regrets very much this decision, which does not respect any of the previous agreements," said a statement.
Athens organisers have conceded there is not time to finish erecting a roof before the Games begin in August.
The Fina statement added: "This structure was essential to protect from the sun and the high temperatures the swimmers, water polo players, officials, media representatives and spectators, and to create the best possible Olympic swimming competition environment.
"Moreover, it was an important requirement to assure the optimal conditions for the Olympic TV production."
Athens will hold the first outdoor Olympic swimming events since the 1992 Games in Barcelona.
The decision to scrap the roof is the third major shift in organisers' plans since a new conservative government took power on 7 March.
Landscaping for the start of the marathon has also been trimmed and the transport ministry has scaled down building of a rail line linking the port of Piraeus to central Athens.
MMIX
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