For the first time since WW2, Commonwealth Games in jeopardy after Australia pulls out as 2026 host

In an unprecedented move, Australia has announced the decision to not host the 2026 Commonwealth Games citing budget issues.

The quadrennial event was scheduled to be held in Australian state of Victoria across various cities. However, the region's Premier Daniel Andrews announced on July 18 that Victoria will not host the 2026 CWG.

According to Andrews, the decision was made after it was learnt that the cost of hosting the event would amount A$7 billion, a sharp rise from the estimated A$2.6 billion.

'What’s become clear is that the cost of hosting these games in 2026 is not the $2.6bn which was budgeted and allocated,' Andrews reasoned stating that he was not ready to spend so much on a 12-day sporting event.

'It is in fact at least $6bn and could be as high as $7bn – and I cannot stand here and say to you that I have any confidence that even the $7bn number would appropriately and adequately fund these Games,' the politician added.

Andrews stated that the money would instead be used to fund housing and sporting infrastructures of the state.

The Premier said, 'We have informed Commonwealth Games authorities of our decision to seek to terminate the contract, and to … not host the games.'

The Commonwealth Games Federation called the move 'hugely disappointing' adding that it was focused on finding a solution.

'We are disappointed that we were only given eight hours’ notice and that no consideration was given to discussing the situation to jointly find solutions prior to this decision being reached by the Government,' the CWG Federation's statement read.

The Commonwealth Games has only ever been cancelled during the Second World War but the tournament's occurrence now remains in limbo until its organizers can come up with a new solution.