Uncertainty looms large over the Commonwealth Games 2026. Australia is unlikely to host the multi-sport event as Gold Coast has scrapped its plans as the host city. Earlier in July, Victoria too opted out citing the rising costs of hosting the event.
According to a report in the Associated Press, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate announced Sunday that the city had scrapped its bid to host the Games. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips has called on the international federation to consider bids from other countries on Monday.
According to the report, Australia hasn’t entirely given up on hosting. However Craig Phillips has said that the Commonwealth Games Federation should “seriously consider” other offers.
“We have indicated to (the CGF)… they would have our support in doing that,” Phillips told the Australian Associated Press. “It’s our preference to host here and we will keep going while we think we have got options to explore. But if they have a better option, then they should seriously consider it.”
“We have made it clear to the CGF that we feel an obligation to host, we would like to host. But if they come up with a better solution for themselves then ultimately so be it,” added Phillips.
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Gold Coast pulls out after failing to get support from state government
On Sunday, Gold Coast officially pulled out after failing to secure support from state or federal governments. The city had earlier hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“We did our best. Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains. In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments,” said Tom Tate, the Mayor of Gold Coast in a statement.
Three locations outside Australia reportedly have expressed interest in hosting the Games. However the Games are now likely to be postponed to early 2027.
The last games were hosted in 2022 by Birmingham. The England city stepped in when Durban in South Africa pulled out after being unable to meet financial and organizational requirements.
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