The Gold Coast has withdrawn its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the city’s mayor has announced. In a statement, Tom Tate said: “We did our best and that’s all people can expect.
“Simply put, it appears that the vision for our Games does not match the vision of the state or federal governments.”
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The move comes after the Australian state of Victoria announced in July that it was withdrawing from its role as host due to the cost of the event exceeding estimates of around five billion Australian dollars ($2.6 billion). of pounds sterling).
The state’s premier, Daniel Andrews, told media in Melbourne at the time that he was not prepared to spend up to $7 billion (£3.6 billion) on a “worldwide sporting event”. 12 days “.
The state ultimately agreed to pay £190 million to the Commonwealth Games Federation, Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for its decision.
Australia’s Commonwealth Games chief executive Craig Phillips admits it is increasingly likely the multi-sport event will be moved outside the country. “We indicated (to the CGF) … that they would have our support in doing this,” Phillips told AAP on Monday. “It is our preference to host here and we will continue as long as we think we have options to explore.” But if they have a better option, they should seriously consider it.
Asked if he thought the 2026 Games would likely be held outside Australia, Phillips said: “I think so. The people we have spoken to in the Commonwealth Games family feel that the first priority is to find a solution here in Australia,” he said. “But if that doesn’t come to fruition, other options are certainly on the table.
“We have made it clear to the CGF that we feel an obligation to welcome, that we would like to welcome. But if they find a better solution for themselves, so be it.
