Current Research
Bidding to Host Major Sports Events in the UK
The next decade has the potential to be ‘a golden decade’ for sport in the UK. A series of major sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, have already been confirmed, while bids for other events, such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup, are also ongoing. Dr Geoff Walters is currently involved in a research project with the Central Council of Physical Recreation looking at issues and challenges that governing bodies for sport in the UK face when bidding to host major international sports events. The research will consider whether governing bodies are at a competitive disadvantage when bidding for sport events compared to rival bidders from other countries. The research is based on qualitative interviews with governing bodies and other relevant stakeholders including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Visa Services Directorate and UK Sport.