Malaysia has declined the opportunity to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing concerns over costs. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offered £100m in supporting funds after Victoria, Australia withdrew as host.
However, Malaysia’s sports ministry deemed the offer insufficient to cover the overall expenses of hosting such a large-scale event. Additionally, they expressed uncertainty about the economic impact within the short timeframe.
This decision follows Victoria’s withdrawal last July due to escalating costs, raising doubts about the future of the Games. Birmingham, originally slated to host in 2026, stepped in for the 2022 Games after Durban, South Africa faced financial troubles and missed deadlines. Although there was enthusiasm from the President of Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia, Mohamad Norza Zakaria, citing it as a chance to build on the success of 1998, Malaysia’s sports minister, Hannah Yeoh, expressed reservations about using public funds for the event.
Meanwhile, the government of Alberta, Canada, has withdrawn its support for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games due to cost concerns, leaving no firm bids for the 2030 Games.
