IOC breaks its silence on Queensland’s Olympic bombshell after claims government were considering scrapping the 2032 Games
- The IOC has responded to concerns about the 2032 Olympic Games
- Queensland is reportedly considering pulling out of hosting
- But the prime minister’s office insists it intends to host the Games
The International Olympic Committee has responded to claims the Queensland government was considering pulling out of the 2032 Games amid a row over stadium plans.
Brisbane will host the event in eight years’ time but politicians have faced a backlash over stadium plans. An independent review has found that the $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba Stadium should be scrapped in favor of developing a new 55,000-seater stadium. , at a cost of approximately $3 billion.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles rejected the controversial proposal, arguing he had sought “a better value option”.
He added that no one “wants to see money spent on facilities that are only needed for four weeks” and was skeptical about the final cost of the project.
It was subsequently reported that the Queensland government was discussing the possibility of ceasing hosting duties altogether, a move that would send shockwaves through the sporting world.
The IOC has responded to reports that Queensland is considering canceling the Olympic Games
A stadium row has broken out with politicians unwilling to spend $2.7 billion on rebuilding the city’s famous Gabba stadium (artist’s impression, photo)
Withdrawing from hosting the Games will cost Prime Minister Steven Miles’ government at least $500 million
However, the government was told this would cost approximately $500 million in compensation. In addition, $3 billion in federal government funding would be withdrawn.
The government has since denied that it ever considered withdrawing from hosting the global event.
And now President Thomas Bach has addressed the story.
“The news that Brisbane is canceling the games is purely speculation,” he told a news conference.
“All the actors have made it very clear that this was not discussed in any conversation or planning. Apparently it was some kind of fake news.’
When asked by Mail Sport for comment on the ongoing saga, a spokesperson simply said: ‘We look forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games’.
Elsewhere, a spokeswoman for Steven Miles’ office said: ‘The Government has never sought advice on canceling the Games.
‘We have always said Queensland would deliver a great Games – not once has the government ever had any intention of canceling the Games.
“We decided not to spend $3.4 million on a new stadium.”