MONACO (AP) – The International Olympic Committee has approved a new bidding process to make the system less costly and more flexible to attract future candidate cities.
The IOC voted in favor of the revised bidding system Monday at the start of a special two-day session to adopt President Thomas Bach’s 40-point “Olympic Agenda 2020” reform package.
Under the system approved by a show of hands, cities will be allowed to hold events outside the host city or country, “notably for reasons of geography and sustainability.” This opens the door to joint bids by cities, neighboring countries or regions.
Several members raised concerns about the idea during the debate, but the measure passed unanimously in the end. No members raised their hands to vote against.
Proposals for a more flexible sports program and creation of an Olympic television channel were also scheduled to come up for votes.