No ‘blank cheque’ for World Cup bid
B.C. Premier John Horgan says he’s not willing to write a “blank cheque” to have Vancouver host soccer matches for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, which might threaten the city’s involvement in a bid package that is due this week.
“We have been grappling with the proponents who want us to sign a blank cheque, a conditional agreement that can be changed by FIFA but not by us,” Horgan said Tuesday.
“I’d love to see soccer games in B.C. Place. I’ve said quite clearly to the proponents bring it on, let’s bring soccer to Vancouver in 2026. But let’s also ensure the costs to taxpayers are not out of control.”
The 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup proposal would see Canada, the United States and Mexico team up for a joint bid to host the tournament. Vancouver, as one of the potential host cities, could see a maximum of five games. The economic benefit of those games could range from $90 million to $480 million, according to a recent report to the City of Vancouver council, which voted to endorse and support the bid proposal.
The province would be expected to play a role in helping with the provincially owned B.C. Place Stadium, including any modifications required to the playing surface, parking, security and the cost of using the facility. B.C. would be required to participate with a stadium authority agreement.
The bid deadline is Friday. Horgan said the province submitted an offer last week, but it wasn’t accepted by the bid committee.
Meanwhile, the federal government threw its support, and $5 million in funding, behind the proposal on Tuesday.
“It’s good for our athletes, it’s good for our communities, our economy, our reputation as an international sport leader,” said Kirsty Duncan, minister of science and minister of sport and persons with disabilities. “We are behind this bid.” But Horgan said the federal government “didn’t say anything about the cost of security, they didn’t say anything about the indemnities that the province has to put in place unlike other cities in Canada because we own the stadium,” Horgan said.
“We sent a draft submission to the proponents last week. It didn’t meet their expectations, but I have a higher obligation than just being a soccer fan, I have a higher obligation than just wanting to see world-class soccer in Vancouver, I have to make sure taxpayers aren’t on the hook for unknown costs at the whim of FIFA.
“I’m just not prepared to sign off on that nor is the minister of finance. We’re going to continue to work with the proponent throughout the week, but I think they have to be responsible as well and understand as much as we’d love to see soccer coming to Vancouver, world-class, not at any cost.”
The Liberal Opposition accused the government of bailing on the bid after years of work.
“In 2015, the economic benefit, of B.C. alone, of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup was estimated to be about $118 million, all from an initial investment of $2 million,” said Liberal critic Jas Johal during the legislature’s question period Tuesday.
“However, the reports are that the provincial government has pulled out of the bid for the men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. In fact, we have learned that the bid deadline was last night. Again, I ask the minister. Can she confirm if the province supports the bid — yes or no?”
Tourism Minister Lisa Beare ducked questions at the legislature about whether the government pulled its support for the bid, or even if she knew what the deadline was.
“There are financial risks to the province, obviously,” Beare told reporters. “These big opportunities come with some big risks, so we’re taking a look at that.”
The city, provincial government, federal government and airport authority are part of a multi-party working group, with similar groups set up in Edmonton, Montreal and Toronto.
If successful in its bid, Vancouver would be notified of its host city status in 2021. Then, the federal and provincial governments would be expected to help collaborate on costs.