Sports federations chief suggests China be more selective with acquisitions and event bids

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Photo credit: Getty Image

Leaders within the Olympic Movement appear to be puzzled about how to attract bidders for future Olympic and Paralympic Games, but say they are confident that cities will continue to come forward, despite a reluctance for any to commit to being the 2028 hosts, and none expressing any interest beyond that.

Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of ASOIF (The Association of Summer Olympic international Federations), told Yutang Sports that leadership is well aware there is a problem that needs to be addressed, and admitted the Olympic  Movement is going through a moment of ‘weakness’.

Hamburg, Budapest and Rome pulled out of the contest for 2024, following strong public pressure and concern that the Games would be an unnecessary economic burden. Boston previously pulled out for the same reason.

The host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, either Paris or Los Angeles, will be announced at the 130th International Olympic Committee Session in Lima, Peru, on 13 September, 2017. However, IOC President Thomas Bach has suggested awarding both cities the 2024 and 2028 Games with an historic double vote. Neither of the 2024 candidate cities has yet said they would be willing to accept the 2028 Games.  

“There clearly is an issue today, in terms of how to attract bidders for the Games,” said Ricci Bitti , speaking from the sidelines at the SportAccord Convention in Denmark, on April 6.

“This is clear from the current race (for the 2024 Games), where we started with five candidates cities, and now we only have two. So there is some problem that has to be tackled. The problem I believe is the public, at the moment. We are in a populist moment in time. And in a moment like this, I believe this is real weakness. It is not easy to win a referendum about the organisation of the big events, in this moment.”

Ricci Bitti remained cautious regarding the possibility of an historic double vote at the session in Lima.

“We're looking at what has happened with a lot of vigilance and we're looking forward to decision of the IOC, so now is very premature to say because the IOC has put in place a working group of four vice-presidents to give direction on this particular matter, so it's too soon to say what is going to happen, to say what is going to be supported by the IOC, in terms of change of procedure for the bids.

“For the moment, it’s only two but they are very good candidates, so to some extent the IOC is in a good moment with the two potential organisers of the next Games. But I don't know what is going to happen after that, it's a very big debate. It's a decision of the next session, it's a long process and it's just started, so we have to see the outcome is. In June or July (after the next technical meeting) we will certainly have more information.”

Ricci Bitti is critical of communications strategies around the bidding process.

“I believe this is a factor that has to be acknowledged. First of all the communication has to be clear. For instance in my opinion, and this is only my opinion, I think it has not been clear enough with the separation and clarification about the cost of the Olympic Games, between the sports costs and the infrastructure costs for bid cities. This information was not clear enough. This caused a lot of confusion with those who seek to impress people in their own way. Like in Sochi for instance, where in fact the country decided to connect the sea with the ski resort. This was a very expensive exercise that has nothing to do with sport. This was an infrastructure decision. This should have been communicated much better. It was a decision to use the Games as an excuse to improve the situation. This is a point that needs to be tackled very seriously. The communications about the cost of the games has to be much better.”

Speaking about the power of Asia in attracting major events Ricci Bitti noted that the IOC should be in condition to go to any country, and not only to countries where control over the people is stronger.

“The IOC should be prepared to go to any country with the Games. I think the positive aspect is the clear shift to the Asian market, in sports and not only in sport. There is a real shift because of the money available, more than in any other part of the world. The will and the desire to get involved by the Chinese market is clearly evident. While on the other side I believe that the Chinese are not yet so sophisticated, as to pay for value. There are still steps to be made, in terms of being more selective, if you like. Right now, they are little bit too generally interested.  I think the process should be to become a little bit more selective.

“Certainly there is a continuing trend to Asia in general, but not only in sport, in all activities in society. And not only in terms of being attracted to China, but to India too. When you attract events, the sporting power is growing, and this is a real shift. There is a clear shift to Asia in terms of growth. Even at this Convention, I've met with 15 cities and the majority are Asian.”

Also at the Convention, SportAccord President Patrick Baumann defended Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.

“There is now an incredible opportunity with two great cities, but there are certainly others out there willing to host,” Baumann said. “The two cities have gone through a totally new process with Agenda 2020. In three stages they have had to reveal how aligned their plans with the city are, and its ability to host the Games. They have had experts visiting them, challenging and asking them 'are you absolutely certain you want to build this, or are you sure you really need that. What are you really planning in this area, or what are you planning with this sport.’ I think that process has been extremely fruitful. And I think if we hadn't had this process, we may not even have two cities as candidates.

“We are at the start of the journey with Agenda 2020, there are more changes to come. You cannot just simply make these changes and suddenly there are ten cities waiting, ready to go through this process no matter what. Agenda 2020 allows cities the flexibility to aim for a more cost efficient and less costly Games driven by sustainability and legacy. I think it will drive more cities to bid for the Olympics because they will see the value in it.

“We've been given the role of going to the cities to try and help them to have the best possible bid, for their sport and for the Olympic Games. We have to make sure that after the Olympic Games we are not all just simply going back home and leaving the city unhappy with what has been done with the resources from public funds, or from wherever, but that we have a serious legacy and a sustainable continuation beyond the Games.”

SportAccord is the umbrella organisation for all (Olympic and non-Olympic) international sports federations as well as organisers of multi-sports games and sport-related international associations. It is an international sport organisation with 92 full members (international sports federations governing specific sports worldwide) and 17 associate members (organisations which conduct activities closely related to the international sports federations).

At its general assembly on April 7, SportAccord delegates would vote on significant statue changes which if approved would change the name of SportAccord to the 'Global Association of International Sports Federations'. It would also introduce a two-year rotating presidency from 2020. In addition, it would introduce observer status as an initial step for sports federations who seek membership.

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