Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro have been named as candidate cities by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Prague, Baku and Doha were eliminated from the original list of potential hosts by the executive board of the IOC.

"All the bids were of a very high standard," said IOC president Jacques Rogge. "It is a tribute to the health of the Olympic Movement that the field was so strong.

"I congratulate the Candidate Cities and I hope that those cities which were unsuccessful this time have benefited from the process."

The shortlisted cities will now have to compile a detailed dossier and submit it by February 12, 2009, stating the reasons why they should be chosen as the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games.

A team of IOC experts will also visit each of the cities, tour the proposed sites and talk with government and bid leaders.

The IOC will choose a winning city at a secret ballot in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2009.

Chicago is the overwhelming favorite with the bookmakers to win the right to host the 2016 Games.