RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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London’s bid to host the 2029 World athletics championships has been given a huge boost after organisers reached an agreement with West Ham United over use of the London Stadium.
There were concerns the bid, which has been backed by the UK government and London mayor Sadiq Khan, could be scuppered by the availability of the football stadium – even before West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, which further complicated matters.
The football club maintain “the highest priority has always been the West Ham United supporters” and that after “detailed negotiations” a deal was struck to ensure there would be “minimal impact” on their campaign.
A West Ham statement read: “West Ham United can confirm it has reached an agreement with London Stadium LLP and Athletics Ventures for London Stadium to be included as a host venue as part of a UK Government backed bid to hold the 2029 World Athletics Championships in London.
“The agreement follows a period of detailed negotiations with the organisers, London Stadium operators, local and national government officials, and the relevant football governing bodies.
“Throughout the process the club’s highest priority has always been the West Ham United supporters, ensuring any agreed programme has minimal impact on the football schedule and respects the club’s overriding priority principle as detailed in the concession agreement.”
As part of the agreement, the club revealed, “a number of new initiatives” will be undertaken to “enhance the stadium and matchday experience for supporters”.
The statement added: “Any impact on the football schedule will be confirmed once it is known which division and other competitions West Ham United will be competing in during the 2029/30 season.
“Further discussions with the relevant football governing bodies can then take place to review and mitigate against any potential impact on the fixture schedule.”
London last hosted a sold-out World Athletics Championships in 2017, and athletes including Olympic 800 metres champion Keely Hodgkinson have been among those who have called for a solution to the stadium issue.
Organisers, who last year filed an expression of interest in the event, have now submitted their final bid having ironed out a deal with the Hammers.
UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner said: “Bidding to hold the World Athletics Championships in the London Stadium, the showpiece of London 2012, was always at the centre of the UK’s Olympic legacy plans.
“We are very grateful to the Government, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and UK Sport for their fantastic support for this bid.
“We’re delighted that we have reached agreement with the London Stadium and West Ham United for the use of the London Stadium and our sincere thanks for their commitment in making this happen.”
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