Malaysia government on Friday turned down an offer to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to time constraints, costs and an insufficient offer of funding.
Malaysia had been asked to step in after the Australia withdrew, citing ballooning costs, with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offering 100 million pounds ($126 million) in supporting funds.
Malaysia ruling itself out raises the possibility that the Games may not take place for the first time since being cancelled in 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War.
Malaysia could not commit to hosting the contest at such short notice with cost concerns and little time to assess the potential economic impact, officials said.
“If we had a longer time, we would definitely do it, but because there’s such a short time, we definitely can’t do it,” government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told a regular briefing.
“When we assessed the viability of hosting the Games, the length of time needed and the cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive.”
The CGF expressed disappointment at Malaysia’s decision, but said its search for a host was continuing.
“The confidential process to determine a host is continuing with other interested Commonwealth Games Associations,” a CGF spokesperson said, without elaborating.
