The Colombian city of Barranquilla has been stripped of its hosting duties for the 2027 Pan American Games, a decision announced by the governing body, Panam Sports, on Wednesday. The move, attributed to a series of contract breaches, has sent shockwaves through the nation and marks the first major political storm for Colombian President Gustavo Petro in 2024.
Panam Sports, in a terse statement, cited “innumerable breaches of the current contract” as the basis for the decision, expressing regret over the situation while emphasizing a commitment to the future of the premier multi-sport event in the Americas.
Barranquilla, situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, had initially volunteered to host the Pan American Games. However, concerns arose over non-compliance with the financial disbursements required by Panam Sports, casting doubt on the feasibility of the ambitious project. Despite a granted extension until January 2024 during the Pan American Games in Santiago 2023, the Colombian Government failed to meet the revised deadline, leading to the decisive withdrawal of hosting rights.
The repercussions of Barranquilla’s loss have reverberated through Colombian politics, placing President Gustavo Petro at the center of another debiliating controversy for the country’s international image and repuation. The decision has elicited accusations of negligence from politicians, including lawmakers of President Petro’s own coalition, the Historic Pact.
Newly-appointed Barranquilla Mayor, Alejandro Char, voiced confidence in the city’s ability to host the games and called on President Petro to intervene. Char, a staunch ciritic of Petro, and who assumed office on Monday, asserted that the necessary financial resources are in place.
Colombia’s Ministry of Sports expressed surprise at Panam Sports’ “unilateral” decision, emphasizing an agreement between Minister Astrid Rodríguez and the president of Panam Sports to make a payment in this month.
President Petro faces a barrage of criticism for the perceived delay in releasing an US$4 million required for the Pan American Games, despite huge government expenditures in 2023 for the leftist leader’s international trips. Ciro Solano, President of the Colombian Olympic Committee (COC), accused Panam Sports of lacking tolerance and hinted – during an interview with El Heraldo – at alleged ulterior motives behind the decision, including the role of “dark hands” in denying Colombia its place in sporting history. On Wednesday, Petro ordered his cabinet “to do everything possible” to salvage Barranquilla as the host city of the event.
The capital of Atlántico department is known for its UNESCO-listed Carnival. Asuncion, Paraguay, has offered to host the games, and Brazil’s Sao Paulo wants to organize the games in 2031.
