The economic burden on the city was considered a central reason for the referendums failure, and this was something highlighted by Prokop when he described the result as a "major setback for the Olympic idea in Germany". 

"Especially in Germany, where there are top-notch venues for basically every sport, de-centralised Games would make an Olympic bid more realistic," he told Bayerischer Rundfunk.

"The athletics events could take place in Berlin, the equestrian competitions in Aachen, the triathlon in Hamburg and the white water canoeing events in Augsburg.

"Decentralised Games also require less construction," while in addition it "would save costs and guarantee a sustainable continued usage of the competition venues."

A referendum in Munich to decide on whether to bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics was failed due to the expense which would be placed on the one city ©Getty Images



Prokop claimed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) needs to have "a little rethink", but that such a change would be "a crucial step to counteract the often criticised gigantism of the Games". 

Considering that this burden on a single city indeed contributed to the failure of the referendum in Munich, as well as other potential Olympic hosts, the idea bears some resonance. 

It would also reduce concerns raised before and after the London 2012 Games that other parts of Great Britain would feel less involved and receive less legacy benefits due to the focus on the capital city.

But, as well as other logistical and practical concerns, such a plan would likely reduce the spectacle and atmosphere of the Games due to the lack of a central hub and focus point for attention. 

There was a furore last year, for example, when - as was exclusively revealed by insidethegames - Rio 2016 considered moving the slalom canoeing venue almost 700 miles away to near the world-famous Iguaçu Falls.

Due to concerns that the sport would be isolated from the rest of the Games these attempts were eventually abandoned.

With the London 2012 sailing competition at Weymouth one example, the IOC does allow specific events to be held outside the host city ©Getty Images

The IOC would also likely be opposed to such an idea on the same grounds as they oppose Games being held in multiple countries.

Kraków's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics is hoping to become the first to break this trend by holding skiing events in Slovakia - but only due to practical reasons.

Article 34 of the Olympic Charter states that "all sports competition must take place in the host city of the Olympic Games, unless the IOC Executive Board authorises the organisation of certain events in other cities, sites or venues situated in the same country".

When this does happen it is invariably for practical reasons, such as at London 2012 where sailing was held on Britain's south coast in Weymouth.