ROAD TO 2024: IOC President Suggests Bidding Reforms

The President of the International Olympic Committee has suggested the possibility of creating further reforms to the bidding processes for Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thomas Bach hinted that cities bidding for a Games for a second consecutive time could be handed the opportunity for a streamlined application process.

“We cannot expect bidders, some of whom may be bidding for the second time, to start the whole process from scratch,” Bach said. “We have to reduce the planning costs there.”

Bach’s comments come after Budapest became the third candidate city to withdraw from the process to host the 2024 Games. The Hungarian capital halted their bid after significant public opposition attempted to force a referendum.

Cities currently undertake a two-year Bidding process, which entails an extensive financial undertaking.