Istanbul awarded 2027 European Games hosting rights

The European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee has unanimously awarded the fourth edition of the European Games in 2027 to Istanbul.

Istanbul’s venue plan for the event would see no additional construction needed beyond the venues either already built or already planned for the city.

The Games’ main venue has yet to be confirmed but it is thought that Atatürk Olympic Stadium will likely serve as the focal point.

The stadium was originally built at a cost of around $140m (£110m/€129m) for Turkey’s bid for the 2008 Olympic Games that were ultimately awarded to China’s capital city Beijing.

The decision to award Istanbul the 2027 event was taken after EOC sport director Peter Brüll presented an evaluation report to the Executive Committee.

The report followed an evaluation visit to Istanbul by an EOC delegation earlier this month. The representatives inspected all aspects of the city’s ability to host the Games including venues, transport, security, accommodation, and athlete facilities.

“The EOC is delighted to have approved Istanbul’s candidature to host the European Games 2027,” said EOC president Spyros Capralos.

“It is great news for both Europe’s athletes and the city.

“Istanbul and Turkey have long been good friends of international sport, with Istanbul having woven sport into the fabric of everyday life for the benefit of its citizens.

“We know it will be the perfect place for Europe’s best athletes to shine in 2027.”

The EOC and Istanbul’s local organising committee have stated their commitment to ensuring a higher proportion than ever before of competitions serving as qualification events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

It is expected to give Turkish athletes a boost to their qualification chances as they will be supported by a home crowd.

The Executive Committee’s decision is due to be presented to the EOC General Assembly in Bucharest from June 6 to 7 for final approval.