Following the decision to strip Durban of the 2022 games, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has revealed that it wants to name a replacement host city by the end of this year.

After being awarded the 2022 games in September 2015, it was decided in March this year that the South African city would not meet key criteria set out in the CGF bidding process.

Since that decision was made as many as nine candidate cities had expressed “some informal interest” after the CGF again opened up the bidding process.

Speaking to a select group of journalists at SportAccord Convention, CGF CEO David Grevemberg said that prospective host cities have until April 28 to submit interest in replacing Durban. Once that deadline has passed the CGF will begin evaluating each bid book.

“Nine cities have expressed some informal interest,” said Grevemberg. “We are now looking to make that process more formal.

“We have put out a clear call for interests by April 28. Then we will evaluate those submissions and go through a process. We are purposely agile because we need to move this as fast and furious as possible but we also need to have a timeline.

“Let’s see how many cities come forward. We don’t want cities to waste money through a laborious bid process. We want to be very streamlined in this approach and leverage as much value as we can for the new prospective hosts and federations.”

English cities Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Manchester have reportedly expressed interest in 2022 as well as speculation that Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and cities in Canada could pose rival bids. Even a number of Australian cities could target 2022 despite the Gold Coast winning the rights to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Despite this, Grevemberg says that every bid will be assessed. He added: “There are no bids off the table right now, but we have to look at what’s the best interests for the movement, what are our real options and we just need to go through the process right now.

“I don’t want to be too speculative on any particular cities or decision because we have enough agility. The notion of extraordinary circumstances requires extraordinary process. We will continue to be vigilant and sticking to our principles on this process.

“We don’t take the expressions of interests for granted at all and we recognise we need to evaluate a partner and not just be an auditor in the process.”

On April 10 CONCACAF member nations the United States, Canada and Mexico declared their intention to formally submit a unified bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The unified bid, which would represent the first time that three nations would jointly host a FIFA competition, was announced in New York by US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani, and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol president Decio de Maria.

Gulati said: "This is a milestone day for US Soccer and for CONCACAF. We gave careful consideration to the prospect of bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ultimately feel strongly this is the right thing for our region and for our sport. Along with our partners from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, we are confident that we will submit an exemplary bid worthy of bringing the FIFA World Cup back to North America.

"The United States, Mexico and Canada have individually demonstrated their exceptional abilities to host world-class events. When our nations come together as one, as we will for 2026, there is no question the United States, Mexico and Canada will deliver an experience that will celebrate the game and serve players, supporters and partners alike.”

The three nations have hosted 13 FIFA World Cups combined (Men’s, Women’s and Youth), which is more than any other trio of geographically connected nations, and set attendance records for five of those events. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first with the expanded 48-team format, requiring facilities and infrastructure that these countries are uniquely suited to fulfill.

The US hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, which served as the catalyst to launch Major League Soccer in 1996, which today fields 19 teams in the US and three in Canada. In addition, the USA welcomed the world for the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Mexico was the first nation to host the FIFA World Cup for the second time, having first held the event in 1970. In 1986, the Argentine team captained by Diego Maradona captured their second title in three tournaments. El Tri became the first host country to win the FIFA Confederations Cup, collecting the title on home soil in 1999. They repeated that feat at the youth level with a victory in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“For the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, and the entire Mexican soccer family, it is a source of pride to be candidates, along with the United States and Canada, to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” said de Maria.

“We have a unique opportunity to be the first country to host three World Cups.  As such we are filled with pride and committed to make it the best ever. Mexico has been recognised for being a magnificent host of past FIFA events, such as the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, the 1999 Confederations Cup, the 2011 Under-17 World Cup, and most recently the 2016 FIFA Congress.

"If we are selected to host, it will be an honour to welcome everyone with open arms.”

Canada hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, which featured an expanded 24-nation field with matches played in six cities in five time zones. With record setting attendance for any FIFA event outside of the FIFA World Cup, more than 1.35 million spectators and nearly 25 million in the United States alone watched the final on FOX.

Canada has hosted five FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cup Canada 2002 where the 47,784 final match crowd remains the largest on record for any FIFA women’s youth competition, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 drew a then-record 1.2 million fans in six Canadian cities.

“Canada Soccer is honoured to partner with fellow CONCACAF member associations USA and Mexico to bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Canadian Soccer president Victor Montagliani.  

“Canada is the only remaining G-8 nation to have not hosted a FIFA World Cup despite our history of success in raising the bar for youth and women's FIFA tournaments.  

"We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with fellow CONCACAF member associations U.S. Soccer and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol under the FIFA Council principles for joint bids and to continue our tradition of hosting record-breaking international events."

Bangkok to host SportAccord Convention 2018

[Source: SportAccord Convention] SportAccord Convention is delighted to confirm that the ultra-modern city of Bangkok, Thailand will be Host City for the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in 2018 where Muaythai is the national sport. Known as the land of smiles, thanks to the welcoming nature of the people, the Convention is looking forward to returning to South East Asia where there are plans to make the 16^th edition of the SportAccord Convention a family event for delegates and their families.

SportAccord Convention is the world’s premier and most exclusive annual event at the service of sport. It is focused on driving positive change internationally and dedicated to engaging and connecting; rights holders, organising committees, cities, press and media, businesses and other organisations involved in the development of sport.

On becoming Host City to the next SportAccord Convention, H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand said, “We are delighted and honoured to be hosting the next edition of the SportAccord Convention in Bangkok, Thailand. We believe our city will provide a wonderful experience for delegates and the sports world who will be able to experience the culture and warm hospitality of the Thai people.”   

The city of Bangkok is served by many of the international airlines with most countries offering direct flights and is also the main hub for South East Asia. A dynamic city, Bangkok is a great city to explore with lots to offer in terms of culture, shopping, and delicious food, all at affordable prices.

For those who are bringing their families, the Convention are planning a strong cultural programme. Families will also have an opportunity to further enjoy their stay in Thailand with vacation packages on offer. For those who would like to experience culture and arts outside the city, delegates can immerse themselves in the north of Thailand, a one hour flight away. For those who would prefer some sea and relaxation, a one-hour flight South will transport you to the stunning beaches and islands. A two-hour drive east or west of Bangkok and you are within easy-reach of the sand and sea.

Commenting on the announcement of next year’s new Host City, Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of SportAccord Convention and ASOIF said:

“It will be a pleasure to bring the 2018 SportAccord Convention to Bangkok, Thailand and I would like to thank the government of Thailand for supporting the Convention which will be the 16^th edition.  I am sure it will embrace all the qualities and opportunities that city and country have to offer. I am confident our collaboration with Bangkok and the government of Thailand will provide an excellent platform for the international sport community to build on the excellent work achieved at past Conventions while more than meeting the needs of our Stakeholders and delegates.”

Glasgow 2018 is pleased to announce the Invitation To Tender (ITT) for Telecommunications and Network Integration Services contracts for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together some of Europe’s leading sporting competitions.

To be staged every four years the European Championships will combine the existing European Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon and a new team Golf event. The first edition will be held in the summer of 2018 in a unique sporting partnership between Host Cities Glasgow and Berlin.

Technology represents a critical dependency for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships throughout all phases of the lifecycle, from planning through to delivery, operations and dissolution. Glasgow 2018 is inviting suppliers to respond to the ITT to provide a services solution for one or both lots (Lot 1 – Telecommunication Service & Internet Access Connectivity (WAN Services), Lot 2 –Network Integration Services).

Glasgow 2018 is seeking to engage with companies for these services who not only have the appropriate level of experience, technical and resource capacity, but will also offer a flexible, creative and dynamic approach that is fully integrated with Glasgow 2018 and other stakeholders involved in the delivery of technology solutions for the Championships; collectively helping to ensure that the 2018 European Championships are the very best they can be.

The successful bidder for the Telecommunications Services contract will deliver services critical to Glasgow 2018 and provide vital connectivity to both competition and non-competition venues for the event and for client groups and stakeholders.  Services may include internet access ranging from consumer broadband to high-bandwidth leased line business services; basic telephony services and broadcast connectivity/circuits.

The successful bidder for the Network Integration Services contract will supply both wired and wireless LAN services, as well as Network Integration services to co-ordinate the delivery of technology services. This will include Network Design, Architecture & Security; Network Technology Integration; Network Technology Implementation; Programme Management of network services and Technology Service Management. Wired and wireless LAN connectivity will be required at both competition and non-competition venues to support the range of different client groups and stakeholders.

As part of the inaugural European Championships in 2018 around 3,000 athletes will visit Scotland for six events (Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon) while a further 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin as part of the European Athletics Championships. The event will build on Glasgow and Scotland’s track record of hosting major international events including the 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2014 Ryder Cup and 2015 World Gymnastics Championships.

The tender has been published on public contract Scotland. All details and a link to the tender can be found at http://www.glasgow2018.com/get-involved/procurement

Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN) has announced Glasgow has been successful in its bid to host the European Short Course Swimming Championships 2019.

Delivered in partnership by Glasgow Life on behalf of Glasgow City Council, EventScotland, British Swimming and UK Sport, the Championships will take place in Tollcross International Swimming Centre between 4-8 December 2019.

The biennial event, which was last held in the UK in 1998 in Sheffield, will see athletes from all across Europe make their way to Glasgow to compete in 40 short course (25metre) swimming events.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “I am delighted Scotland has been awarded the European Short Course Swimming Championships 2019. This is a fantastic event and a great addition to our already impressive calendar of swimming events taking place in the coming years including the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow and the European Junior Championships in Aberdeen in 2020.

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and securing this bid shows the true legacy provided by the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Glasgow 2018 European Championships. EventScotland, together with the other bid partners, looks forward to working closely with LEN to deliver a truly memorable Championships.

Ian Hooper, Glasgow Life’s Director of Sport, said: “Glasgow has a strong reputation for delivering successful swimming events, including the IPC World Swimming Championships 2015, and Duel in the Pool 2013.

“This event will leave a lasting legacy for Glasgow, inspiring a new generation of swimmers and encouraging young people to make the most of our free swimming initiative. It will also provide an early legacy success from Glasgow hosting the 2018 European Championships.

“As one of the top five sporting cities in the world, we are confident our experience in delivering world-class events, and our close relationship with partners, will help us ensure the European Short course Swimming Championships 2019 is a hugely successful and stand-out event.”

British Swimming Chief Executive, David Sparkes, said: “This is a really important Championships which will be the last event of 2019 – the year before the Olympics in Tokyo.

“We’re delighted that it will be held in Glasgow, following the successful bid and efforts of all partners, and we will be looking forward to seeing some strong performances as new talent emerges on the eve of the Olympic Games.”

Simon Morton, Chief Operating Officer of UK Sport, said: “We are delighted that the UK has been chosen to stage the European Short Course Swimming Championships in 2019. Hosting this event following the incredible success of Team GB in the pool in Rio will allow spectators to see world-class athletes in action before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“This event forms part of a UK-wide series of major international events supported by UK Sport, backed by National Lottery funding, to inspire the nation.”

The European Short Course Swimming Championships 2019 builds on the bid partners existing strong partnership with LEN, working together to deliver the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and the European Junior Championships for swimming and diving in Aberdeen in 2020.

Source: EventScotland

Next year Glasgow will once again take centre stage and make history when it hosts the inaugural 2018 European Championships in partnership with Berlin.

The opportunity to host this exciting multi-sport event for the first time is a direct legacy of Scotland hosting the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup.

We knew heading into these two landmark events that we had a unique opportunity to establish Scotland as the perfect stage for events. The planning, delivery and ultimately successes of 2014 gave us the springboard to establish Scotland as a world leading international events destination.

The facilities and expertise gained from both of these events, along with the events Scotland has hosted since, will now play a crucial role in the successful delivery of next year’s event.  Six of the seven sports - Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing, and Triathlon – will be in Glasgow and Scotland while Berlin will host the Athletics.

The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Emirates Arena, The SSE Hydro, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails are just some of the venues to make a return, while a new World Championship and Olympic standard BMX track will be built in the city, providing future opportunities for major events as well as grassroots development for the sport. A few of the sports will head out of city. Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool will host the Diving and the Open Water Swim will take place at the picturesque Loch Lomond, while Rowing and Triathlon will take place in Strathclyde Country Park.

For spectators and athletes alike, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships will create a new highlight on the international sporting calendar. It creates the opportunity for us to reach beyond the dedicated fans of the individual sports and to connect to a much broader audience, just as we saw through the legacy of the XX Commonwealth Games. It is a chance for sports to use Glasgow 2018 as a shop window to connect with people beyond the event and with some of our biggest participation sports taking part, it again allows us to inspire more people to take part in sport, get involved in coaching and establish more teams and places within sports clubs.

The success of and the legacies from the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup have been the catalysts for Scotland’s winning bids to stage internationally significant events in recent times. They set the bar by which Scottish events are judged. Glasgow 2018 will build on this and help create a legacy going into the two major events taking place in 2019.

As the sporting capital of Scotland, Glasgow will again play host to some of the world’s best athletes’ as it hosts the 2019 European Athletics Indoor Championships, while at Gleneagles – which will also host the golf event for Glasgow 2018 -  the magic of The 2014 Ryder Cup will be recreated when it welcomes the women’s equivalent, The 2019 Solheim Cup.

Just like the XX Commonwealth Games and The 2014 Ryder Cup, the images from the 2018 Glasgow European Championships will define Scotland and it is the far-reaching legacies of these occasions that will continue to define Scotland’s event industry.

Coupled with our stunning natural environment, outstanding build facilities, rich culture and heritage and passionate people, Scotland’s capability, credibility, capacity and confidence to deliver innovative and pioneering events will see us maintain our position amongst global elite event destinations.

At EventScotland we are proud of our role in bringing the legacy to life by identifying, developing and utilising Scotland’s unique selling points to bring the world’s best events to our shores.

Following Budapest’s decision to withdraw from the bidding for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesman Mark Adams said changes would be made to the candidature procedure.

Budapest’s withdrawal leaves only Paris and Los Angeles in the running to host the 2024 Games and the Hungarian city is the third to pull out of the process after Hamburg in 2015 and Rome in September 2016.

The decision came after more than 260,000 people had signed a petition against the Budapest Olympic bid and were seeking a referendum on the matter.

In a statement, Adams said: “It is disappointing that this decision had to be taken – the candidature committee had presented an excellent project, which has built on the reforms contained in Olympic Agenda 2020. It also demonstrated that smaller cities and smaller countries can stage the Olympic Games in a feasible and sustainable way.

“For all these reasons, the IOC can appreciate the success of Olympic Agenda 2020 as far as the organisation of sustainable Olympic Games that fit into the long-term development plan of a city, region and country is concerned. This success is further demonstrated by the statements of Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris, that, without the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, there would not have been any candidates.”

Adams added: “With regard to the candidature procedure as such, the political situation in our fragile world requires us to make adjustments in this respect as the current procedure produces too many losers – as the IOC president already said in December 2016.

“These adjustments will be discussed with all the stakeholders of the Olympic Movement. In the meantime, the candidature procedure for the Olympic Games 2024 will continue with the two excellent candidatures of Los Angeles and Paris.”

In September in Lima, Peru, the IOC will elect the winner when it votes between Paris and LA.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has warned the United States and Great Britain that travel restrictions and immigration policies could have a negative effect on hosting future tournaments and finals.

The United States is one of the favourites to host the 2026 World Cup, but if President Donald Trump’s proposed travel restrictions are approved then it will “not help” the US bid.

Čeferin, who is also a FIFA vice-president, told the New York Times: “It will be part of the evaluation, and I am sure it will not help the United States to get the World Cup.

“If players cannot come because of political decisions, or populist decisions, then the World Cup cannot be played there. It is true for the United States, but also for all the other countries that would like to organise a World Cup.

“It is the same for the fans, and the journalists, of course. It is the World Cup. They should be able to attend the event, whatever their nationality is. But let’s hope that it does not happen.”   

The Slovenian also warned Britain that immigration policies after Brexit could affect the UK’s chances of hosting major European football finals.

“If ‘Brexit’ happens, everything changes,” said Ceferin. “But football was played before, and it will be played in the future. Now, with free movement in the European Union, it is much better.”

Last year Paris St-Germain defender Serge Aurier was denied entry to Britain to play in a Champions League match against Arsenal. Aurier had been convicted for assault and was appealing the conviction. This is a concern for Čeferin.

“I was very disappointed when Aurier, from P.S.G., was not allowed to enter England,” he said. “That will worsen when ‘Brexit’ happens, especially if the reasons were as formal. We could have a serious problem.

“But if we see that players cannot enter because they have any sort of procedure ongoing, then we will simply think if we should play our European matches there.

“Neymar and Lionel Messi both have procedures going on. This year, the Champions League final is in Cardiff. Imagine if they did not let them in?

“That is a big thing for us, if players from England can travel anywhere but players from other teams cannot travel to England. With free movement in Europe, it is much better.

“Even in 2020, if ‘Brexit’ has happened, then it can be a big problem for fans. That stays firm, and we will speak to the British government, and I am sure the English Football Association will help us.”

Budapest is to withdraw its bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, leaving Paris and Los Angeles as the two remaining candidate cities.

Following a meeting between Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos and the Hungarian Olympic committee, government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs confirmed to Reuters that the city would drop its bid. A formal vote will now be held by the Budapest City Assembly.

The decision comes after 260,000 people had signed a petition against the Olympic bid and were seeking a referendum on the matter. Andras Fekete-Gyor, chairman of Momentum Movement, told the BBC: “Over a quarter of a million signatures have come together so this money is spent on modern hospitals and well-equipped schools instead of on the Olympics.”

A government statement published on national news agency MTI said: “For Budapest and Hungary the Olympics is a national issue. In recent months, the earlier unity has broken down and the issue of the Olympics has turned from a national issue into a party issue. Opposition parties are responsible for this, those who backtracked on their earlier decision [to back the bid].”

Budapest are the third candidate city to withdraw from the 2024 process after Hamburg in 2015 and Rome in September 2016.

In September in Lima, Peru, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will elect the winner when it votes between Paris and Los Angeles.
 

The president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, believes Asia is ready to stage a third consecutive Winter Olympics, should Sapporo decide to commit to an official bid for the 2026 edition.

Sheikh Ahmad said Sapporo had “all the tools, all the facilities and all the experience” to organise the Winter Olympics for a second time, following the city’s hosting of the 1972 Winter Games.

“I am happy to hear that Sapporo is ready to host the Olympic Winter Games. Sapporo is capable and ready,” he said.

The next two Winter Olympics will be held in Asia – at PyeongChang, Korea, next February and Beijing, China, in 2022 – and Sheikh Ahmad said one of the key factors for Sapporo would be how many cities showed a firm interest to host the 2026 Winter Games.

“I am happy and proud because, after Beijing, Asia will be ready to host the Olympic Winter Games again,” he added.

“If there is a lot who bid, we will have to evaluate the situation, but if not then we have a good chance. We are ready to host a third Olympic Winter Games.”

Sheikh Ahmad said Sapporo held “special memories” for the OCA, having played a pioneering role in establishing the Asian Winter Games (AWG) in 1986 and now hosting the event for the third time in eight editions.

That first AWG attracted only seven teams, but that figure has grown to 32 for Sapporo 2017, including guest teams from Australia and New Zealand.

“A lot of the Olympic champions have started in the Asian Winter Games, and we wish our athletes from Sapporo 2017 can win a medal at PyeongChang 2018,” he said.

“We have seen our athletes win medals at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer in 2016 and now we find their names in our Asian Winter Games. This is what we are trying to do – to prepare a good environment to show their talent.”

Sheikh Ahmad also spoke of next year’s Asian Games in Indonesia, and described OCA sports events as a testing ground for the world, with the five new Olympic sports for Tokyo 2020 all joining the Asian Games programme.