Is this the end of the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games Federation struggled to find a host before Victoria volunteered in April 2022. But the Premier said the projected cost had now tripled.
Fifteen months ago, a proud Daniel Andrews strode into a regional Australian stadium and announced Victoria would host the 2026 Commonwealth Games - promising "a games like no other". But on Tuesday Mr Andrews - decidedly less jubilant - faced a media pack as he tersely revealed the state would walk away from its contract. It throws the tournament plans into chaos and the future of the Games into doubt.
After a tough few years for organisers, experts say this could be the final straw.
"This could spell the end of the Commonwealth Games," says Steve Georgakis, a sports studies lecturer at the University of Sydney.
"It could be a death knell," Australian sports historian Matthew Klugman agrees.
The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport tournament that take place every four years. They have only ever been cancelled during World War Two.
Organisers had originally estimated the event would cost A$2.6bn (拢1.4bn; $1.8bn). But now the 12-day tournament was expected to cost more than A$6 billion. Mr Andrew said the government had considered "every option" including moving the games to Melbourne, before informing CGF of their decision.
For 5 Questions On, 麻豆社 Sport's Matt Graveling looks at an uncertain future for the Commonwealth Games.
Image Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
