Malaysia has been offered £100 million to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the cancellation of plans by the Australian state of Victoria due to escalating costs.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is in advanced discussions with potential hosts, and Malaysia’s Olympic Council has confirmed receiving a formal invitation.
The £100 million offer aims to support local delivery and legacy planning for the Games.
Malaysia previously hosted the Games in 1998 and sees the opportunity to host in 2026 as a chance to build on past success and put the country back on the world sporting map.
The CGF spokesperson mentioned that £100 million of financial and strategic support is available for potential hosts as part of Victoria’s withdrawal settlement.
Discussions with potential hosts focus on creating a sustainable model for the Games.
The Commonwealth Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event, has only been canceled twice in its history, during World War Two.
The search for a host for the 2026 Games had proven challenging until Victoria offered to host in April 2022, but later withdrew due to cost concerns.
Durban, originally designated to host the 2022 Games, lost hosting rights in 2017, and Birmingham stepped in as the replacement host.
However, the future of the Commonwealth Games remains uncertain as UK Sport aims to prioritize events with clear value for money.
