Sochi 2014 - Environmental Issues , Official Quits

The IOC reportedly said Thursday that its coordination panel overseeing Games preparations will visit Sochi April 13-15.

A United Nations (UN) environmental watchdog group strongly criticized Sochi officials this week as to reported ecosystems being damaged and wildlife habitats destroyed while building the Olympic Games infrastructure.

According to the UN report, the government-backed Sochi project has delayed decisions that could lessen the impact of construction work. Russia's government says it has taken notice of the concerns.

The IOC said it expects "the situation will be dealt with appropriately".

Meanwhile Deputy Sports Minister Gennady Alyoshin has quit, reports Reuters.

Alyoshin, responsible for elite and recreational sports, became the second high-ranking official to quit after Russia's dismal showing at last months Vancouver 2010 Games.

On March 3 Leonid Tyagachyov resigned as president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said he would stay on the job, reportedly vowing to improve fortunes in 2014 when Sochi hosts the next Winter Olympic Games.

The ROC's executive board will meet Wednesday to discuss Tyagachyov's successor.