Rio still a success despite emtpy seats

Empty seats at stadiums across Rio have not impacted the success of South America's first Olympic Games, organisers say.

The local organising committee claim to have sold 5.7 million tickets to events across the Brazilian city, with 800,000 remaining.

But a number of sports continue to be played in front of small crowds.

It's not a good look for the International Olympic Committee, but executive director of the Games Christophe Dubi insisted it did not tarnish the image of success they're trying to sell.

"It has not," he told reporters on Sunday.

"We have a lot, lot, lot of sessions which are absolutely full."

Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada repeated a number of reasons for the empty seats - including people leaving to get food or drinks, while others are buying tickets just to get into the park.

"We are very happy with the amount of tickets that we sell and completely confident that the quality of information that we provide you on a daily basis," he said.

"What is critical about empty seats has been addressed and is getting better every day."

After passing the halfway point of the Games, Dubi declared Brazil had delivered what it promised - despite issues with transport, security and attendance.