Expressing disappointment in the Victoria City of Australia for pulling out of hosting the Commonwealth Games, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) stated that the figures provided by the Victorian government were 50% higher than the estimates shared with the organizing committee last month.
The CGF attributed the increased costs to the state government’s decision to spread the games across multiple cities and include additional sports, resulting in a substantial financial burden for the event.
“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 before this decision was reached by the Government.” The CGF responded.
Also, the CGF expressed dissatisfaction with the short notice given by the government, stating that there was no opportunity for collaborative discussions to explore potential solutions before the decision being made.
“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 Sports Movement.”
Previously, the government had assured that sufficient funding was available to successfully deliver the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Birmingham stepped in to host the 2022 Games in England to replace Durban, South Africa.