The Commonwealth Games is in free fall again after it was confirmed on Friday that host nation Canada has pulled out of the 2030 Games.
The Games were last month dealt a hammer blow when Victoria sensationally pulled the pin as hosts of the 2026 event following claims of an operating costs blow out from $2.6 billion towards $7 billion.
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Katie Sadleir was adamant last month that the 2026 Games will go ahead, but all bets are now off with the outdated colonial concept suddenly on the brink of disaster.
The Games currently have no future and no host city.
London and a multi-city Scottish bid for the 2026 Games have received public support. Christchurch, in New Zealand, has also shown interest.
However, there appears to have been no momentum in the three weeks that have followed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ decision to rip up its contract with the Federation.
The BBC first reported the news about Canada’s decision to follow Victoria’s lead.
The 2030 host rights were held by the Alberta province in Canada with the event to be staged across the cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe this week said the Commonwealth Games is a strong enough brand to survive its latest crisis, but that suddenly appears in jeopardy.
Australian sports historian Matthew Klugman said last month Victoria’s decision could be the concept’s “death knell”.
