The International Olympic Committee signed the host contract for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games this Wednesday. This step marks the official launch of collaboration between the IOC and the French promoters.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) endorsed on Wednesday, April 9, the hosting of the 2030 Winter Games by the French Alps. The host contract was signed in the afternoon in Lausanne by the IOC President, Thomas Bach, and the Finance Commission President, Ng Ser Miang. This signature followed an Executive Commission meeting.
Christophe Dubi, Executive Director of the Games within the IOC, confirmed the information at a press conference. “It’s a big announcement and a symbolic day. We are very happy,” he stated. The official announcement had been awaited for several months.
The contract is signed, the Games can proceed
Last summer, the allocation of the Games to the French Alps was announced but was contingent upon securing financial guarantees. These have recently been provided. François Bayrou, the Prime Minister, sent a letter of guarantee to the IOC in mid-March. The Minister of Sports, Marie Barsacq, publicly confirmed it on March 20, during an IOC session in Greece.
The state commits to allocating 362 million euros to contribute to the funding of the organizing committee (Cojop). The regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur add 100 million. In total, 462 million euros of public funds are mobilized out of a budget that should not exceed 2 billion euros.
The contract also includes additional guarantees. In case of cancellation, total or partial, the state will cover up to 500 million euros. A budget of 70 million is also allocated to support bank loans. These commitments are included in the 2025 finance bill.
“It’s a very symbolic day for us,” emphasized Christophe Dubi. The document, spanning over forty pages, outlines the mutual commitments of the IOC and Cojop. However, some issues still need to be resolved, particularly regarding the site map and selected disciplines.
An organizing committee still under construction
While the general framework is set, the structuring of the organizing committee remains incomplete. The position of general director is still not officially filled.
Cyril Linette is still considered for this role. He has met with the Minister of Sports and remains favored in internal discussions. However, his appointment, initially scheduled for early April, has been postponed. It is now expected to be announced on Monday, April 14.
This delay adds to recent debates regarding the governance of the project. Several voices have spoken out against certain decisions, especially those concerning the president Edgar Grospiron.
The official signing of the host contract could help ease tensions. “It’s both symbolic and now practical for us to work even more together with the French Alps,” commented Christophe Dubi.
Less than five years remain before the event begins. The implementation phase is starting, with its share of logistical, budgetary, and political challenges. The IOC, on its part, has renewed its support to the French stakeholders. The baton will be passed to Kirsty Coventry, the future president of the organization, scheduled for June 23.
By then, the French Alps must prepare to host the Games. The schedule is accelerating, and decisions must follow.