Objections linger over Wembley as Olympic host (From Harrow Times)

Objections linger over Wembley as Olympic host

11:21am Thursday 3rd December 2009

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QUESTION marks continue to hang over whether Wembley will be able to host sports in the Olympics in 2012.

Just last week, Wembley Arena was confirmed by London 2012 bosses as the venue for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics at the games.

However, members of the Badminton World Federation, which governs the sport, are understood to be disappointed the venue has been switched from original plans to build a purpose built arena in the Olympic Park in east London.

The switch was first raised after Mayor of London Boris Johnson expressed a desire to save around £40m by not building the new arena.

Several locations were scouted out across London, and bosses eventually settled on Wembley for the sports.

However, badminton bosses have objected to the move on the grounds the Arena is too far away from the Olympic village.

The same objections were lodged by boxing bosses and that sport will not now be hosted in Wembley.

A final decision on where badminton will be hosted is due to be made in March following further consultation with badminton chiefs.

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