Paes predicts delivery of Deodoro close to the Games.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 22 (Reuters) - The Deodoro Olympic complex, where several sports will be held during the 2016 Olympics, is the main concern for the Rio de Janeiro Games, according to Mayor Eduardo Paes, who predicted on Tuesday that the venue would be delivered at the last minute.

The project is behind schedule and has already been the subject of complaints from representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who frequently visit the city to monitor the progress of the event's preparations.

"My red flag is Deodoro. We are paying close attention and we can't let our guard down," Paes told reporters.

The construction of the Deodoro Olympic complex has changed hands more than once. Initially, it was the responsibility of the federal government, then it passed to the state government, and finally, it is being led by the city government.

"We made this commitment two months ago, and there is a delay and a major challenge," said the mayor. In Deodoro, events such as modern pentathlon, equestrian, shooting, cycling, and others will be held.

Despite the acknowledged delay, the mayor of Rio assures that the Olympic venue is not at risk of being left out of the 2016 Games or being delivered with major outstanding issues.

"We will deliver; at the last minute, but we will deliver," Paes emphasized.

He pointed out that the project in Deodoro is simpler than other facilities intended for the Games, such as the Olympic Park, which facilitates the completion of the work, even if it is starting late.

The mayor revealed that the detailed engineering plans for the project are still being developed before construction can begin. "My deadline is the Olympics," Eduardo Paes concluded.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier)