Paris Olympic Organizing Head Says Budget ‘Under Control’ a Year Ahead of 2024 Games 

Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of Paris 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP)
Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of Paris 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP)
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Paris Olympic Organizing Head Says Budget ‘Under Control’ a Year Ahead of 2024 Games 

Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of Paris 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP)
Paris 2024 Olympics Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet speaks during a press conference at the headquarters of Paris 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP)

The operating budget for the Paris Olympics is “under control,” the president of the organizing committee said Tuesday.

With one year to go before the opening ceremony, organizing committee president Tony Estanguet said partnership deals are on track, with 22 new sponsors joining since the start of the year.

“Just recently, we passed the 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) mark in secured revenue from our partners,” Estanguet said. “This is unprecedented. It’s obviously the first time that a sporting event in France has raised so much money from companies and partnerships.”

Estanguet said the money in investment does not include “a new premium partner with whom we’re in talks.”

Paris organizers are still negotiating a partnership contract for the 2024 Games with luxury group LVMH.

The organizing committee, known as COJO, has an operating budget of about 4.4 billion euros ($4.5 billion).

Estanguet insisted that 96% of the budget is funded by the private sector, including the IOC, partner companies, as well as the ticketing office and licensing. He added that organizers aim to secure 92% of the budget by the end of the year.

“We continue with enthusiasm and serenity in a bid to achieve this goal,” Estanguet said, adding that ticket sales have also been successful, with 6.8 million tickets already sold.

The overall budget for the Paris Olympics, including the cost of building and renovating venues, is about 8 billion euros ($8.2 billion).



Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP

Saudi Arabia and Qatar drew home advantage in the fourth round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

In October, Qatar will host Group A that also contains the United Arab Emirates and Oman, The Associated Press said.

Saudi Arabia welcomes Iraq and Indonesia into Group B.

The winner of each round-robin group will take Asia’s last two remaining automatic spots at next summer’s tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The teams that finish second will then meet, with the winner progressing to inter-confederation playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2026.

Six teams from Asia secured qualification last month: Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia have all participated numerous times, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their first appearance.