IAAF Happy With London 2017’s Stadium Guarantee

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) senior vice-president Bob Hersh has stated London’s bid for the 2017 World Championships has resolved the issues regarding future usage of the Olympic Stadium.

Hersh headed up an IAAF delegation that completed its inspection of London’s bid on Tuesday. Inspectors were earlier handed a "cast-iron guarantee" by the British government that the running track will remain in place at the Olympic Stadium regardless of whether Barclays Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur wins its court action against the decision to award the venue to West Ham United after London 2012.

London Mayor Boris Johnson last week urged Tottenham to stay in North London after the club was offered a stadium deal that could save it £17 million. The Mayor, and the leader of Haringey Council, Claire Kober, both urged the club to press ahead urgently with its proposal to build a new stadium at Northumberland Park, next to its historic ground in White Hart Lane. Tottenham is still seeking a judicial review of the Olympic Stadium decision, which will be heard on October 18, but Hersh has stated the IAAF’s concerns have been addressed.

“We were concerned before we got here, having read about this issue for years now,” he admitted. “But based on our very good meeting yesterday, the assurances we have received from the government and the way in which it has addressed the legal state of affairs and legal possibilities, we are satisfied. We are satisfied there will be a stadium with a track in it and we will be able to host the 2017 World Championships in that stadium. We're very pleased to have that issue sorted as we have just regarded it as a distraction off to the side.”

The IAAF delegation will move onto Doha on Wednesday, and Hersh admitted that London has presented a compelling bid. He added: "The city sells itself. It is a wonderful city and one that I have always enjoyed being in. The stadium is world class and we're also very pleased with the passion and commitment of UK Athletics (UKA) and those who are involved in this bid. I think UKA have shown they are capable of holding a successful World Championships."

Meanwhile, London 2017 bid chairman Ed Warner believes concerns over the Doha climate could count against the Qatari capital. "Look what it looks like through Doha's eyes right now and what they’re up against," he said. "They are up against a championships at the perfect time of year, not in the football season and in August when the athletes are used to peaking traditionally. There is going to be a full stadium for morning and evening sessions and a great climate. We're not going to have to air condition the whole of London to ensure athletes have the perfect conditions to compete in.”

Source: sportbusiness.com