London’s bid to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships is facing a major hurdle after West Ham refused to back down in a dispute over relinquishing their home mid-season.
A deadline of April 3 has been set for initial submissions to World Athletics, with the British proposal backed by the government in efforts to bring the event back to the capital for the first time since 2017.
However, with the clock ticking, West Ham remain strongly opposed to a central strand of the plan that would see them vacate the London Stadium across roughly three weeks in September 2029.
There will be scope within the London bid to stage the event earlier in the summer, but World Athletics have already made it clear their preferred option will be a September meet, at the close of the traditional track and field season. Daily Mail Sport understands rival bids are also being prepared by Rome and Munich, so there is a fear among London 2029 insiders that any deviation away from optimal timings could be detrimental to their chances.
But West Ham, who have leased the stadium from Greater London Authority Holdings Limited since 2016, are not backing down. In a statement to Daily Mail Sport, they insisted the terms of their awkward relationship with the stadium grant them ‘priority’ during the football season and, privately, club sources are confident they can defend their position through legal avenues if necessary.
Internal club estimates suggest the September proposal would require them to play at least three successive away matches, despite the favourable timing of the autumn international break. That disruption could increase if they are no longer in the Premier League.
West Ham are putting a major dent in London’s bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029
A West Ham statement on Monday read: ‘West Ham United remain in a constructive dialogue with London Stadium regarding the potential dates for the proposed bid and await further information.
‘Any decisions remain subject to the club’s overriding priority clause, a contractual right ensuring West Ham United games take priority during the football season.’
The perceived vagaries of that contract have long been disputed between West Ham and operators of the stadium during a fraught relationship.
While West Ham have regularly vacated the stadium to enable its reconfiguration during summer months, usually in the form of concerts or Diamond League athletics, they have not previously left mid-season for any extended period.
This latest flashpoint runs the risk of putting West Ham at odds with both the government and the London mayor’s office, who last year announced they would back the London bid with £35million and £10m respectively. The bid is being steered predominantly by UK Athletics and UK Sport.
In declaring his support, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last summer: ‘Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions. The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together.’
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment on Monday. A spokesperson for London Stadium said: ‘We are delighted that London Stadium is seen as a potential venue for the World Athletics Championships in 2029, one of the biggest events on the world sporting calendar. The 2017 Championships we hosted to sold out crowds were a huge success bringing investment and more than £100m in economic benefits to London.
‘As the potential venue, we are working closely with all our stakeholders, and look forward to being part of the bid put forward by UK Athletics.’
UK Sport said: ‘Organisers are working closely with all stakeholders to put together a compelling bid.’