Commonwealth Games Federation ‘hugely disappointed’ at Victorian Government relinquishing 2026 Games hosting

July 18, 2023

The 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.

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