Commonwealth Games: Australia offer extra funding for Glasgow 2026 bid

While the stasis continues – and the timescales becoming increasingly pressing – Commonwealth Games Australia have offered to bridge any shortfall.

They have told both their Scottish counterparts and the Scottish government that they are prepared to invest some of the compensation they received when the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts last year due to financial issues.

“We want to do all that we can to make Glasgow 2026 a reality,” president Ben Houston said.

“We appreciate that the model is different and that that creates perceived financial and reputational challenges, but we have every confidence in the model.

“Now is not the time to walk away from a Games that has inspired for generations, and we look forward to working collaboratively toward an outcome that benefits Commonwealth nations, their athletes, coaches and fans.”

Commonwealth Games Scotland – who are behind the Glasgow bid – have welcomed the offer.

In a statement they said the Australians’ “willingness to invest, to further alleviate concerns of perceived financial and reputational risk, shows the high regard on which our cost-effective proposal is held within the global sport and events community.”