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The Commonwealth Games have received another massive blow with Malaysia becoming the latest country to reject its offer to host the 2026 edition of the Games. The Malaysian government has cited time constraints, costs and insufficient funding as the reasons to take their bid to host the CWG 2026
This major setback for the quadrennial multi-sport event comes after Malaysia was asked to host with Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host, citing cost, despite Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offering 100 million pounds as supporting funds. A Malaysian official opened up about the decision, adding that we they had longer tome, they would offer to host it.
“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,” a government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said. “When we assessed the viability of hosting the Games, the length of time needed and the cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive,” he further added.
Disappointed by the Malaysian government’s decision to opt out at a crucial juncture, a CGF spokesperson added, “The confidential process to determine a host is continuing with other interested Commonwealth Games Association.”
M oreover, with Malaysia becoming another country to decline the offer, there could be a possibility that the Games might not be held for the first time since the World War 2.