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read moreThe Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has issued a statement this morning slamming the announcement from the Victorian Government that it is to withdraw from its hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The UK-based governing body of Commonwealth Games associations, currently known as Commonwealth Sport, advised “we were informed today that the Victorian Government has walked away from their agreement to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organising Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation.
“The reasons given are financial. The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June.
“These figures are attributed to price escalation primarily due to the unique regional delivery model that Victoria chose for these Games, and in particular relate to village and venue builds and transport infrastructure.”
Further disputing Premier Andrews’ claims about rising costs, the CGF stated “since awarding Victoria the Games, the (Victorian) Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).”
In relation to Premier Andrews' claim that discussions about the withdrawal from the hosting have been amicable, CGF noted “we are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government.
“Up until this point, the Government had advised that sufficient funding was available to deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“We are taking advice on the options available to us and remain committed to finding a solution for the Games in 2026 that is in the best interest of our athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport movement.”
Future of the Games
With no other nations, states or cities bidding to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Victoria won the rights to host the event last year as the Games first ever regional event.
The followed the UK city of Birmingham having stepped in to host its 2022 edition after the South African-city of Durban having withdrawn - it also citing rising costs.
The loss of a host just three years out from the event creates series problems for the CGF and may even make future editions unviable.
The Commonwealth Games were going to be held from 17th to 29th March 2026, with Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton all playing a role in hosting.
The CGF/Commonwealth Sport is the international organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.
Image: Birmingham Town Hall during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
18th July 2023 - Shock announcement sees Victoria Government withdraw from hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games
21st June 2023 - 1000 day countdown for 2026 Victoria Commonwealth Games
9th June 2023 - Enhanced sporting facilities in Ballarat continue to attract major sporting events
7th June 2023 - Regional Cities Victoria launch ‘winning formula’ to ensure 2026 Commonwealth Games lasting legacy
29th May 2023 - Gold Coast’s major sporting venues welcomed over two million visitors this financial year
26th May 2023 - Geelong to host Commonwealth Games 2026 aquatic events in temporary competition pools
25th May 2023 - Study suggests major sporting events fail to inspire mass physical activity
9th May 2023 - Federal budget set to deliver further $500 million for Brisbane Olympics but no funds for Victoria’s Commonwealth Games
19th April 2023 - Commonwealth Games tops YouGov’s 2023 Global Sport Rankings list in Australia
11th April 2023 - Latest PwC Global Sports Survey identifies major events driving industry growth
3rd April 2023 - Architects announced for redevelopment of 2026 Commonwealth Games venue the Eureka Stadium in Ballarat
30th March 2023 - Architects appointed for design of Geelong’s 2026 Commonwealth Games Venues
27th March 2023 - Commonwealth Games Australia calls for Federal Government support for Victoria’s 2026 Games
24th March 2023 - Commonwealth Games Australia announces appointment of Robin O’Neill as General Manager - Team Performance and Delivery
10th February 2023 - First meeting of Commonwealth Games Australia Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group
21st December 2022 - Commonwealth Games Australia announces appointment of General Manager for Marketing and Communications
21st July 2022 - Research shows Australia’s major sporting events struggling to generate engagement
8th June 2022 - Commonwealth Games Australia unveils Speedo swim apparel for Birmingham
19th January 2022 - Without a host city Commonwealth Games Federation looks to Victoria for 2026 Games
22nd August 2021 - World Rugby’s Katie Sadleir named new Chief Executive at the Commonwealth Games Federation
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