London, UNITED KINGDOM – The UK government has officially entered “discussions about supporting potential bids” to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks the first formal step toward bringing the Games back to the UK since the historic London 2012 event.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is currently assessing “key factors” including the potential multi-billion pound costs, socio-economic benefits, and the likelihood of success. While London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed interest in a 2040 London bid, there is great momentum for a “North of England” Games, with Manchester and Liverpool suggested as likely co-hosts to drive regional levelling up.
Okay News reports that the government is also considering bids for the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup in the 2030s. To make the UK the “go-to destination” for major events, the government plans to introduce a “sporting events framework.” This may include making it a criminal offence to resell tickets for major events at inflated prices—a move designed to protect fans from “exploitative ticket touts.”
The UK’s aggressive stance on ticket reselling comes just as FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends $11,000 (₦15.1 million) tickets for the 2026 World Cup final, citing “market rates.” In contrast, the UK’s proposed legislation aims to ensure more tickets are available at face value for events like Euro 2028.
