From Inside the Games

Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi has written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrawing its bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, even though Italian officials submitted the second part of its candidature file.

Raggi has sent a six-line letter to the IOC, informing them that the capital city was pulling out of the race for the event.

But Diana Bianchedi, the director general of Rome 2024, still travelled here today to deliver the necessary documents required by midnight.

It would appear unlikely, however, that the IOC would allow the bid to continue without the support of the city.

If confirmed, the withdrawal of Rome leaves Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris in the race to host the Games.

The IOC is due to choose a host city at its Session in Lima on September 13 next year.

The withdrawal would not come as a surprise after the City Council voted in favour of backing Raggi’s decision not to support it last week.

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