West Ham’s London Stadium is being proposed to host the World Athletics Championships once again, but the club is unwilling to vacate
West Ham United may be forced to forego home games in September 2029 as UK Athletics pushes forward with its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
West Ham’s London Stadium has been proposed as the bid’s host stadium, receiving support from the UK government.
In its proposal to World Athletics, UK Athletics has proposed staging the competition over three weeks in September 2029, honouring the end of the track-and-field season. This would mean West Ham would have to vacate their home stadium for three weeks at the start of the 2029/30 football season.
The Daily Mail revealed today (10 March) that the Premier League side is unwilling to vacate to accommodate the World Athletics Championships. The club believes its 2016 stadium lease grants it exclusivity to operate as a football stadium throughout the football season.
“West Ham United remain in a constructive dialogue with London Stadium regarding the potential dates for the proposed bid and await further information,” said a club statement received by Insider Sport.
“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.”
If West Ham were to vacate the London Stadium during the 2029/30 season, it would have to play three consecutive away fixtures, losing home advantage. If the club faces relegation this season and is demoted to a lower league, such as the Championship, they could play up to six consecutive games away from home.
UK under pressure to secure 2029 bid
With West Ham not backing down from its position, the UK government’s 2029 World Athletics Championship bid could now be in jeopardy.
Alongside Keir Starmer’s government, the office of the London Mayor has also backed the bid to bring the competition back to England’s capital for the first time since 2017. The government has pledged £35m, and the London Mayor’s Office £10m, as part of its commitment to bring global sporting events to London.
“Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be a moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent,” said Starmer.
“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. I’m delighted to support the bid.”
The resistance from West Ham has also reportedly raised concerns regarding the bid amongst government officials, according to the Daily Mail, as Rome and Munich are also pushing to host the games in 2029.
The pre-qualification form submission deadline is set for 3 April but can be extended to 5 April. Other key dates outlined by World Athletics on the bidding process include 6 November for the final deadline for submission, as the winning bidder will be announced in December 2026.
