Australia to Spend $4.8 Billion on 2032 Olympic Venues

The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
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Australia to Spend $4.8 Billion on 2032 Olympic Venues

The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)
The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, May 17, 2022. (Reuters)

Australia said Friday it will spend Aus$7.0 billion (US$4.8 billion) on venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including a new 17,000-seat arena and a revamp of the Gabba stadium.

The Queensland capital was awarded the 2032 summer Olympics and Paralympics two years ago, returning the Games to Australia for a third time after Melbourne 1956 and then Sydney 2000.

Queensland's state government will pump Aus$2.7 billion into redeveloping the Gabba, expanding its seating by 8,000 to 50,000, AFP said.

In addition, Brisbane's city center will get a new Aus$2.5 billion 17,000-seat indoor stadium, paid for by the federal government. It will include a drop-in swimming pool that can be removed after the Games to create a live events venue.

Another Aus$1.87 billion in state and federal funding will go on 16 new or upgraded venues.

"It is quite clear that we needed to step up and do our part not just to create the best Games but also to leave a lasting legacy for Queensland and for all those who visit this great state," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference.

The Australian leader said there would be other "important milestones" in the lead-up to 2032.

"This will make an enormous difference to our economy, to our lifestyle, to how Australia is perceived as well in the world, which is why it is important that we get this right. And I am very confident that we have done just that."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 80 percent of the infrastructure for the Games was already in place.

"This will cement Queensland's place internationally but also, too, it is a lasting legacy for our athletes, our young people and also about creating a healthier lifestyle."



Man City Blows 3-Goal Lead and Gets Booed by Fans in Draw with Feyenoord in Champions League

 Soccer Football - Champions League - Manchester City v Feyenoord - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 26, 2024 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Champions League - Manchester City v Feyenoord - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 26, 2024 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts. (Reuters)
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Man City Blows 3-Goal Lead and Gets Booed by Fans in Draw with Feyenoord in Champions League

 Soccer Football - Champions League - Manchester City v Feyenoord - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 26, 2024 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Champions League - Manchester City v Feyenoord - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 26, 2024 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts. (Reuters)

Manchester City’s players were booed by their own fans Tuesday after blowing a three-goal lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League to extend their winless run to six games.

Jeers rang around the Etihad Stadium after the final whistle of a dramatic 3-3 draw.

“They are disappointed. Of course we understand it,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “They are completely right to express what they feel.”

After five-straight losses in all competitions, City looked to be cruising to victory after going three up inside 50 minutes. But Feyenoord mounted an improbable comeback and leveled the game in the 89th to leave the home crowd stunned.

While the worst losing streak of Guardiola’s managerial career was brought to an end, his wait for a first win since Oct. 26 goes on.

Erling Haaland had scored twice, with Ilkay Gundogan also on target to put City in control. But goals from Anis Hadj Moussa in the 75th, Santiago Gimenez in the 82nd and David Hancko in the 89th turned the game on its head.

According to stats supplier Opta, it was the first time in Guardiola's managerial career that his team had failed to win a game after leading 3-0. It said it was the first time City had failed to win from that position since 1989.

“We lost a lot of games lately, we are fragile and of course we need a victory,” Guardiola said. “The game was good for the confidence, we were playing a good level, but the first time something happened we had problems.”

A win would have moved City up to fifth in the Champions League standings, but the draw left it 15th with three games remaining in the first phase of the competition.

The top eight teams advance to the round of 16, while teams ranked ninth to 24th go into a playoff.

City’s players, including Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and Haaland looked visibly frustrated as they left the field to cheers from the delirious traveling Dutch fans in the away section of the stadium.

“If you are 3-0 up at home you can never give it away like this. It is what it is at the moment. The only thing we can do is fight back and stay strong,” City defender Nathan Ake said.

City plays Premier League leader Liverpool on Sunday — defeat would leave it 11 points adrift of its title rival.

“We will learn for the future. It has been and will be a tough season for us and we have to accept it,” said Guardiola, who had a cut on his nose during the game. He said it had been caused when he scratched it with his fingernail.