After failing its bid for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, Baku is full of hopes for the 2024 Olympics now that it is five days away from closing the first ever European Games 2015.
It does have a few requests from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and that is to reduce the requirements for the host nation.
Already Patrick Hickey, the head of the Committee hinted Azerbaijan could be potential host for the Olympics having showcased excellent record as a host of the European Games. But the Minister of Sports Azad Rahimov says unless some concessions are made on behalf of the IOC it will be difficult for Azerbaijan to bid for the games.
“At the moment, the requirements for the Olympics are very high, and it would be impossible for Azerbaijan to hold the Olympics using its European Games venues without huge investment of the government for the preparation for the games.”
The minister is talking about specific infrastructure and venues. The IOC adopted a reform package last year, which aims at cutting costs for hosting the Olympics and maximum use of existing space and venues. “If these demands and requirements are finalized, it will be easier for Azerbaijan to bid for the games”, said the Minister of sports.
The deadline for submitting bids for the Olympics is September 15. Among contenders are Rome, Budapest, Paris, Boston and Hamburg.