A key Commonwealth Games Australia official says it was a mistake the Victorian Government didn’t opt to hold a stripped-back Commonwealth Games in central Melbourne, rather than cancelling the event altogether.

Glasgow has stepped up to host the 2026 event after reaching an agreement with the Scottish government, with Victoria to provide funding after withdrawing as host last year.

Click PLAY to hear Ben Houston’s extended interview with Shane McInnes

Commonwealth Games Australia president Ben Houston says it’s a missed opportunity not to be hosting the Games on home soil.

“I believe that the Victorian Government could have made that decision (to hold a smaller Games in Melbourne),” he told Shane McInnes on 3AW Drive.

“We all would have loved to see a home Games…I think it’s a mistake (not to host them in Australia).”

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