Olympics: IOC overhauls bidding process for Games to stop dropouts

FILE PHOTO: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach opens the 134th session during which the host city for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be decided in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 24, 2019. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee outlined plans to overhaul the bidding process for future Games, stating that cities interested in hosting the Games should hold referendums before submitting official tenders to avoid having to withdraw their candidacy at a later date.

The IOC has seen many cities in recent years drop out of bidding for the Olympics in mid-race, scared off by the size or cost of the Games or due to strong opposition from local populations.