It has been revealed that discussions are underway to potentially move the locations for bobsleigh, skeleton and luge events outside the host nation, possibly to Japan or even to Europe or North America.

One unnamed source told Reuters the suggestion "is out there", with discussions between the International Olympic Committee, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (FIBT), the International Luge Federation and Games organisers having taken place.

"Nothing is final yet but there are discussions going on," the source added.

The IOC is allegedly particularly keen that construction at a proposed new sliding venue for the Pyeongchang Games is halted in order to curb costs, with reports a move would save around $120 million (£77 million/€97 million) in construction costs.

Designs for the proposed Pyeongchang 2018 sliding sports venue were unveiled in March ©Gangwon Province



This follows news of a dispute between the Central and Provincial Governments in South Korea, with Gangwon Province officials warning they will be crippled financially unless the Government in Seoul adopts a greater share of the costs, particularly for the new Stadium in which the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are expected to be held.

As part of the Olympic Agenda 2020 process due to culminate here tomorrow with the start of the Extraordinary IOC Session, there are a number of proposals designed to make things easier and cheaper for bidding cities and Organising Committees. 

One recommendation permits "the organisation of entire sports and disciplines outside the host city or, in exceptional cases, outside the host country notably for reasons of geography and sustainability".

The IOC is consequently keen to make clear the possibilities this proposal creates and, if it is accepted tomorrow, an immediate review into possible changes for Pyeongchang 2018 and other future Games will take place, IOC President Thomas Bach has said.

Certain events have been held outside host countries in the past, for instance at Melbourne 1956 where, due to quarantine laws in Australia, the equestrian competition took place in Stockholm. 

The Olympic Torch entering the Equestrian Arena in Stockholm during Melbourne 1956. It still appears unlikely events will ultimately be held outside South Korea in 2018 at this stage ©Hulton Archive/Getty Images



But the rumoured proposals to hold events in Japan, a country which did successfully co-host the 2002 FIFA World Cup with South Korea, appears unlikely due to political differences between the two, while holding events outside Asia appears ever more unlikely.

That said, it can be assumed there are also severe concerns over the proposed sliding sports facility in Pyeongchang, with the discussions presumably also an effort to give South Korean organisers a wake up call in order to bring about positive progress. 

Pyeongchang 2018 President Cho Yang-ho has said "Agenda 2020 is now shaping-up and a lot of opportunities will emerge that will benefit current and future Olympic and Paralympic Games Organisers.

"At this stage various ideas are pondered.

"After this Session we will have a clear understanding about the new flexibility that Agenda 2020 provides all Games organisers and we will consult with the IOC."

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November 2014: Pyeongchang 2018 Coordination Commission meeting cancelled
September 2014: Pyeongchang 2018 welcome strong IOC support following latest meeting with President Bach
March 2014: "Stand-out" Pyeongchang 2018 Sliding Centre introduced in Ceremony