Australia pulls out of Commonwealth Games due to high costs

The authorities of the Australian state of Victoria announced the refusal to organize and host the Commonwealth Games, which were to be held in four cities of the state in March 2026. Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews declaredthat hosting such an event could blow a hole in the state budget of 7 billion Australian dollars ($4.8 billion).

The Commonwealth Games are international sports competitions that are held every four years and in which athletes from more than 50 states that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations take part. Conducted since 1911. In 2026, they should pass for the 23rd time. Australia has hosted the event five times before.

“Let’s be honest, A$6-$7 billion for a 12-day sporting event – ​​we won’t go for it. I will not take money from hospitals and schools to host an event that will cost three times what was calculated last year,” Mr. Andrews said. He also added that these costs would more than double the economic benefit that the Commonwealth Games could bring to the state. The Victorian authorities have announced the termination of the agreement signed with the state as a host, and are ready to immediately begin to resolve all emerging legal issues, including costs. The state government hopes that the Commonwealth Games Federation will have time to find another host country for the 2026 event.

Meanwhile, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association has already criticized the decision of the Victorian authorities, calling it “more than disappointing.” According to the head of the association, Craig Phillips, the presented calculations are too high. Disappointment at Victoria’s refusal was also expressed by the leadership of the Australian Olympic Committee.

Alena Miklashevskaya