Event Management - Host City

Morocco at centre of confusion over 2015 Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria is the reigning champion of the Cup of Nations

Reports yesterday (Thursday) that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting the competition due to fears over the Ebola crisis were denied by local authorities, who instead stated they remain keen on postponing the event, but retaining the hosting rights for a later date.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which is still to publicly comment on the matter, is now said to have approached Ghana and South Africa about hosting its showpiece event next year. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg today (Friday), South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan said his organisation had received a letter from CAF asking it to consider the potential hosting the tournament after African football’s governing body rejected Morocco's request to postpone the event.

In the event of Morocco formally withdrawing from the tournament, Jordaan said that SAFA would consult with the South African government over whether stepping in would be feasible. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Youth and Sports minister Mahama Ayariga confirmed his country had also been approached by CAF.

“CAF wrote to us and indicated that Morocco had given strong indications they would pull out if CAF did not change the date,” Ayariga told Ghanaian radio station Citi FM. “CAF also indicated that it was firm on the tournament dates, but they would meet the Moroccan authorities and take a decision at that meeting. But in the meantime they are writing to a number of countries that they think have the capacity to be an alternative venue... in the event of Morocco actually pulling out.”

Earlier this week, CAF insisted that the 2015 Cup of Nations would go ahead as planned despite a request from Morocco to postpone the event due to the deadly Ebola outbreak. The 2015 Cup of Nations is due to take place in Morocco from January 17 to February 8. However, Moroccan health officials fear the tournament could trigger a spread of the virus, which has claimed about 4,500 lives since its outbreak in West Africa at the beginning of the year.

Morocco’s Youth and Sports Minister Mohamed Ouzzine said on Thursday his country had not withdrawn as the host, but reiterated that the government would follow guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Our concern is the health of Africa, and based on WHO reports and guidelines, we have to listen,” Ouzzine said, according to UK broadcaster the BBC. “Zero safety does not exist, but one has to take the necessary precautions so that the coming tournament will be a football feast, bringing together our African brothers, but given the current Ebola situation we don't think such a feast can take place as expected.

“We are talking about the Africa Cup of Nations where we are expecting between 200,000 to 400,000, even one million spectators to converge in Morocco. I don't think there is any state or any country that has the necessary capabilities to monitor, check and control the current Ebola situation when faced with these numbers. This is our real problem. We don't have a problem with visiting teams. We have a problem with visitors.”

South Africa hosted the previous edition of the competition in 2013, switching hosting rights with Libya due to the civil war in the latter country. Libya was due to host the 2017 tournament instead but recently withdrew its staging rights due to ongoing security concerns. Ghana last hosted the event in 2008.

Reports have claimed that any withdrawal by Morocco at this late stage could be met with severe sanctions from CAF. However, Ouzzine added: “If there are fears about the loss of funding and financial commitments, we can always find solutions to these issues – but today is not the day to discuss these things.

“We will discuss these things when we meet with CAF and we might even debate other options. But I beg you, what's the significance of the financial losses compared to human losses? A human being is priceless. I can tell you that we will reach a definite decision during our meeting with our brothers from CAF.” 

Prior to the latest reports, CAF said that the situation will be addressed at its next Executive Committee meeting on November 2, stating that a further meeting will be held between the confederation and Moroccan officials in Rabat on the following day.

AECOM adds to Arup expertise for Tokyo 2020 delivery

AECOM will join Arup in aiding Tokyo's Olympic Games preparations

Arup, which was appointed to serve as the lead adviser of the 2020 Games earlier this month, will work alongside AECOM to contribute towards strategy for the overall delivery of venue design and construction.

AECOM will also review the Games’ master plan and advise on the associated transportation, security, sustainability and legacy components. It will be the global company’s third consecutive Olympics after it was also responsible for the London 2012 and bid-winning Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games master plans.

“Olympic Games are an important part of AECOM’s success in regenerating and promoting cities around the world,” Michael S. Burke, AECOM president and chief executive, said. “By harnessing our global expertise as the world’s premier fully integrated infrastructure firm, AECOM will be able to support the Tokyo Olympic Organising Committee in delivering a memorable Olympic Games.”

Part of AECOM’s presence around the Games preparations will be to hold a number of workshops in Tokyo focused on the delivery of the Games and its subsequent legacy.

Meanwhile, the Korean government has confirmed that the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2018 winter Olympics in PyeongChang will take place in the city.

The decision backtracks on a proposal to renovate an existing sports centre in Gangneung to host the ceremonies in order to rein in costs. A purpose-built facility will now hold the events in PyeongChang.

The Gangneung plans had proved deeply controversial and a protest group said in a statement on Monday: “If the government goes through with the plan to move the opening and closing ceremonies outside PyeongChang, we will stage a boycott of the Olympics. If they were moved to Gangneung, it should be called Gangneung Olympics. It is outrageous for the government to be even considering such a move with only just under four years left until the Games.”

Glasgow 2014 Rugby Sevens wins Event of the Year

Scotland and South Africa battling it out in a packed Ibrox stadium (Photo: HOST CITY)

The Rugby Sevens tournament at Glasgow 2014 was named best Rugby event of 2014 by industry experts on Wednesday at Rugby Expo 2014. 

The event beat off competition from the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August, hosted by France and the Super League Magic Weekend in May which featured seven matches and 14 elite teams competing at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

“Rugby Sevens as a sport was born in Scotland, so it’s really wonderful to see Glasgow and Scotland’s Commonwealth Games showcase for the sport recognised as the top rugby event this year,” said David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014. 

Glasgow’s two-day extravaganza at Ibrox stadium saw 16 of the world’s top Rugby Sevens sides battle it out for Commonwealth Gold in front of 171,000 people – a new global record tournament audience for the sport.

Around 192 athletes contested 45 matches over two days of fierce competition which saw South Africa clinch Gold for the first time in Commonwealth Games history, beating New Zealand, winners of every previous Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens Gold medal since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1998.

“The two days of Rugby Sevens at Ibrox were remarkable and memorable not just for the incredible sport but also for the sheer energy and enthusiasm generated by the crowds. We’re really proud to have played our part in sharing Rugby Sevens with new audiences,” said Grevemberg. 

“This award is for the amazing athletes and the wonderful crowds which supported them as well as the world-beating experience of Rugby Seven they all helped create at Glasgow 2014.”

Rugby Expo 2014 is an important gathering for the industry which is supported by leading bodies including Premiership Rugby, RFU, SRU, WRU, Pro12 and Championship. 

David Grevemberg, who is also the CEO designate of the Commonwealth Games Federation, is speaking at HOST CITY Bid to Win conference on 28th October about “Winning for the Future” alongside city event leaders from Beijing, Barcelona and Istanbul.

Euro 2016 host cities agree funding deal with Uefa

Spain won Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine

Half of the money is set to be released for immediate use, with the remaining €10m handed over when the tournament concludes. Uefa’s additional funding package will be used to develop new sports facilities close to the urban populations of the host cities. The funds will not be directed towards stadium development for Euro 2016, the cost of which is currently estimated to stand at €1.7bn.

A resolution to the contentious issue of host cities seeking additional financial support was reached at a meeting of the Euro 2016 steering group in Bordeaux. According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Uefa initially offered no additional funding as the cities aimed to secure €10m each.

Quoted on Uefa.com, Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux and president of the Club des sites – the host cities' association – pointed out that an allocation of tickets for underprivileged youngsters will further enhance the social benefit of Euro 2016.

He said: “It is a gesture from Uefa following our request and is designed to facilitate the social acceptability of the event. The 10 cities are full of enthusiasm and approved this proposal unanimously. I wish to stress that beyond this €20m, Uefa will rent the stadiums throughout the competition and has decided to allocate 20,000 tickets to underprivileged young people. The help given will probably amount to around €50m.”

Uefa president Michel Platini was pleased to have reached a satisfactory conclusion to the dispute.

“Any potential misunderstandings have been resolved,” he said. “Everything is fine and we are all satisfied. I am very happy, particularly because not since 1998, when I was co-president of the organising committee of the (Fifa) World Cup in France, have we felt the love and desire that exists for Uefa Euro 2016.”

Lens, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Saint-Denis, St-Etienne and Toulouse will join Bordeaux in hosting matches at Euro 2016 - the first edition of the tournament since Uefa decided to increase the number of teams at the finals from 16 to 24.

Uefa announced last month that Wembley Stadium in London will host the semi-final and final of Euro 2020 as part of a one-off staging model for the event.

Tokyo 2020 makes Koji Murofushi Sports Director

Koji Murofushi won Olympic gold in 2004 and is still winning national titles (Photo: TOKYO 2020 – Shugo TAKEMI)

Tokyo 2020’s 39-year old Executive Board member and Olympian, Koji Murofushi, has been appointed Sport Director of the organising committee. 

The position of Sport Director is a crucial role within the organising committee and one that requires the experience of a top athlete. 

“I've had the honour of competing in four Summer Olympic Games from Sydney 2000 to London 2012 and I know what it takes to make a great Olympic experience for athletes,” said Murofushi.

“In 2020, we will host the entire world and I want to create an environment at the Tokyo Games that will enable athletes to compete and perform to the peak of their abilities. I am 100 per cent committed to making these Games the best ever,” said Murofushi.

Murofushi won gold in Athens 2004 and bronze at London 2012 Games. Earlier in June, he won his 20th successive hammer throw title at the national athletics championship. 

Tokyo 2020 is making efforts to actively involve athletes at all levels of its preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. He was appointed as a member of the TOKYO 2020 Executive Board last January.

Appointing the 39-year old will also help the hosts of the 2020 Olympic Games to deflect criticism that its leadership has not yet represented younger people sufficiently.

The appointment will be particularly welcome to Murofushi, given that he missed out on the opportunity to join the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2012. Despite ruling against Murofushi's appeal against claims of excessive lobbying, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Murofushi's "reputation and sportsmanship were intact."

“I am delighted and flattered to have been chosen as the TOKYO 2020 Sports Director,” he said. “I want to contribute to organising an athlete-focused Games that will deliver a long-term legacy and benefit for the sporting community in Japan and beyond.”

Tradition prevents women from fulfilling potential

Liz Nicholl OBE (centre) is Chief Executive of UK Sport

HOST CITY: How has the influence of women on sports administration developed throughout your career?

Liz Nicholl: I have held positions at national level in sport for over 30 years, and when I started out the industry was male-dominated and the voice of women in sport was rarely heard.

My breakthrough came as a young CEO of England Netball in the 1980s; my national leadership role placed me in an environment where I was able to see that I was just as good as the majority of individuals in similar, significant roles. I gained confidence from colleagues and I now say to others “Don’t hold yourself back. If someone you respect thinks you can do it, you can!”

Over the years I have seen some progress but it’s been slow. The need for diversity in leadership is now much more widely accepted in business. Change is happening in sport but it is slower and held back by tradition.

At a government level, ministers are more outspoken on equality matters and more people are listening. This national profile and debate is ensuring that the momentum is increasing but there is still a long way to go.

There are now more role models and more signs of change. Baroness Sue Campbell was Chair of UK Sport for over 10 years and now across the five UK, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland government agencies for sport, four or the five CEOs are women.


HOST CITY: How successful is the sports sector at boosting women's representation at executive / senior management level?

Liz Nicholl: When I look across the cohort of CEOs and chairs of National Federations of sport, there are a relatively small number of women – but we are seeing a shift at board level.

There is an expectation placed on funded sports by UK Sport and Sport England that all sport boards should be made up of at least 25 per cent women by 2017. Currently over 90 per cent of the sports we fund have women Board members and the UK Sport Board is made up of 40 per cent women.


HOST CITY: What still needs to be done to make further progress?

Liz Nicholl: We need more women in coaching generally and especially at a high performance level. We are looking into what some of the barriers might be while at the same time providing and a programme to support athletes, with an emphasis on women athletes, transitioning into coaching.

The biggest challenge is the limited media coverage of women’s sport. Better, balanced media coverage would unlock enormous potential and sponsorship and could massively increase the momentum for positive change. We will be hosting the Women’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and have ambitions for other events to shine the media light more specifically on women in sport.

Personally, as a woman working in an influential role within British sport, I know there is more I could be doing to keep this issue visible and to challenge where I see inappropriate inequalities and I am determined to do so.

Liz Nicholl OBE is the Chief Executive of UK Sport. To read the full interview, register to receive the next issue of HOST CITY magazine

Global survey shows growing appeal of Olympic Games

Can PyeongChang 2018 top Sochi 2014's 2.1bn viewers?

A survey commissioned by the IOC has found that the awareness and appeal of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Winter Games was higher than any other sports or entertainment events surveyed.

The research, conducted by Kantar Media after Sochi 2014, took on board the views of 36,000 people in 16 countries. 

Announcing the results, the IOC said in a statement that Sochi 2014 reached a broadcast audience of 2.1 billion people, up 13 per cent since Vancouver 2010. The individual broadcasters at Sochi totalled 250, more than twice as many than at Vancouver.

The proliferation of digital media has boosted the reach of the Winter Games, with the number of broadcasting hours doubling to 114,000 at 2014 as compared to 2010. Digital video views reached 1.4 billion, up 334 per cent from 2010.

Athletes and spectators surveyed at the Games in Sochi rated their enjoyment of the Games very highly, citing the standard of the sports competition, the quality of the venues and the atmosphere as factors contributing to their enjoyment.

The Olympic symbol remains the most widely recognised of brands surveyed, with 93 per cent of respondents showing awareness. This brand recognition showed little variation across regions, gender and age. 

The values that people surveyed associated with the Olympic rings included global, inspirational, friendship, diversity, peace and excellence. In a further boost to brand integrity, the IOC was seen to be strong and strict on doping. 

The survey also showed “widespread recognition that hosting an Olympic Games brings benefits to the host country” – a welcome finding as the IOC conducts its Agenda 2020 review into the appeal of the Olympic Games.

 

Blatter warns against discrimination at Russia handover

FIFA president Blatter and president Putin pictured with Alexey Miller of Gazprom in Sochi

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was successful on many fronts, but president Sepp Blatter chose to highlight a “message of togetherness” after handing the tournament over to the next hosts, while president Vladimir Putin of Russia chose to praise the social impact of the World Cup.

“FIFA’s World Cup in Brazil had a very special message to give – a message of togetherness and of connecting people, a message of peace and of anti-discrimination,” said Blatter after the ceremony at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

“We have enjoyed a successful World Cup and we will have a legacy in this country. At the same time there is a responsibility for the next host country and I’m confident that Russia will take on this responsibility and also give us a wonderful World Cup to remember in 2018.” 

During the ceremony inside the Maracana Stadium Putin said, “I want to congratulate President Rousseff on how the World Cup was organised. Football helps to solve social problems.”

Putin’s decision to focus on the social benefits of hosting the World Cup is notable, given the major protests within Brazilian society that dogged the country as it prepared to host the tournament. Whether hosting the World Cup will act as a catalyst for change in attitudes towards sexuality in Russia remains to be seen.

“Our task is to create the best possible conditions for the coaches, players, experts and fans,” said Putin. 

“I am grateful to President Blatter and his colleagues from FIFA for the honour to organise the World Cup. We will do all we can to organise the event on the highest level”.

Russia has its work cut out over the next four years. Seven new venues need to be built but construction is being held up by an auditing process, according to the Moscow Times. 

Over the course of 2014 around US$ 23bn is supposed to be spent on large scale infrastructure projects, including the World Cup venues, but only 6 per cent of this had been spent by the start of June. 

Russia will be able to take heart from Brazil’s broad hosting successes, despite the scramble to finish venues on time.

”Brazil is very proud for once again having staged the biggest football celebration in the world,” said Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff.

“In the last 30 days the world has been connected to Brazil, celebrating goals with a lot of emotion in the 12 host cities and making this the World Cup of World Cups. I am sure that everyone who came to Brazil, like tourists and delegations, will take back memories of our hospitality and joy, and we Brazilians also have unforgettable memories. 

“I wish the Russian people great success in the organisation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup."

The first major milestone event for Russia 2018 will take place in July 2015 in Saint Petersburg when the qualifying pathway for FIFA’s member associations will be defined at the Preliminary Draw, FIFA said in a statment.

Respect cultural differences, Qatar 2022 implores

Read the full interview with Yasir Al-Jamal, Qatar 2022 deputy general secretary in HOST CITY magazine

Qatar is looking forward to welcoming in the world in 2022 but international football fans must return this hospitality by respecting the culture of the host nation, a senior organiser told HOST CITY magazine.

“2022 will be about bringing people together and if people give us a chance, we will prove this will be the World Cup that will change their hearts and minds,” said Yasir Al-Jamal, deputy general secretary of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

“Part of our culture has always been about showing people our hospitality. As a country we will be proud to do that and as a region with so much to offer, we will be proud to welcome the world.”

Drinking alcohol will be permitted during the World Cup but public displays of affection will be deemed inappropriate.

“Alcohol or public displays of affection are not part of our culture; however, hospitality most certainly is. In recognizing that, alcohol is available in Qatar and fans will be able to have a drink at the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” said Al-Jamal.

“Everyone has their beliefs and cultures. We welcome and respect that. All we ask is that other people do the same for us.”

In the exclusive interview, Al-Jamal points out that one of Qatar’s primary motivations in hosting the World Cup is to break down preconceptions about the Middle East. 

“We always saw the tournament as the opportunity to build bridges between East and West,” he said.

“So often this part of the world is misunderstood. To utilise the power of football to alter people’s perceptions of the Middle East is something to be proud of.”

In the interview, Al-Jamal also discussed the issues of venue sustainability and temperature control

To read the full interview with Al-Jamal and much more unique, exclusive content, register to receive the next issue of HOST CITY magazine.  

 

PyeongChang 2018 appoint chief following abrupt resignation

Following the unexpected resignation of PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Organising Committee chief Jin-sun, the committee have appointed one of their six vice-presidents, Jung-haeng, to take charge in the interim. Jung-haeng will be briefed on the progress of the Games preparations on Thursday and will head the organisation until a permanent replacement can be found.

Kim Jin-sun left his post on Monday citing the need for new leadership. It was revealed yesterday that this had followed an investigation by the South Korean Board of Audit and Inspection into the financing and management of the Games, leading to speculation in the South Korean media that Jim-sun’s departure was not voluntary.

Jin-sun resigned in a speech to POCOG, saying: “PyeongChang 2018 is at a turning point for the latter half of its Games preparation, which requires more detailed planning and execution. At this critical juncture, I believe that PyeongChang 2018 needs new leadership and a stronger system that will effectively carry out various Games-related projects. And this is why I decided to resign as President of POCOG.”

Jin-sun was head of PyeongChang's bidding committee on two failed bids for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and his position as chief of the 2018 Games was not meant to expire until October 2015

This all follows a troubled few months for the PyeongChang Games which have faced a slew of construction and sponsorship problems as well as the resignation of vice president and secretary general of the organising committee, Moon Dong-hoo, due to health concerns.

In May the IOC urged PyeongChang to focus on venue construction, test events, marketing and Games services due to tight timeframes. Gunilla Lindberg, chair of the IOC coordination commission, said: “The 2018 Games are on the right track but it is clear that much work remains.”

Following the resignation of Kim Jin-sun the IOC released a statement saying: "We have full confidence that these activities will be delivered by the POCOG team in a timely manner and using their existing processes. We continue to work closely with them on their preparations for the Games."

 

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