IOC to change process of Olympic bid races, host elections

The IOC is changing how and when it picks Olympic hosts, and will approach candidates who can be from multiple cities or countries.

Stung by losing recent public votes in Europe and Canada, the International Olympic Committee says possible bidders could need to win a referendum before entering a race.

Veteran IOC member John Coates says “we cannot, I suggest, continue to be damaged as we have in the past.”

Coates led a panel proposing reforms already tested in the 2026 Winter Games bid won by Milan-Cortina.

The IOC wants bidders to avoid costly construction projects, instead using existing and temporary venues and infrastructure.

New Olympic panels will have “permanent ongoing dialogue” with cities, pro-actively approach possible hosts, and recommend candidates for elections.

A new, flexible timetable replaces the rule of picking hosts seven years in advance.

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