Barwick to lead Liverpool bid for Commonwealth Games
Former Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick is to chair Liverpool’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games.
The 62 year old Liverpudlian – who is chair of the Rugby Football League (RFL), Super League Europe Ltd, the National League and a member of the FA Council – will spearhead the city’s drive to secure the event in 2026, or 2022 should the UK host the Commonwealth Games following Durban’s recent withdrawal.
The former head of BBC Sport and controller of ITV Sport will lead ‘Team Liverpool’ – a group claiming to be made up of world-leading experts with an unparalleled track record in successfully bidding for major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and the FIFA World Cup.
Barwick said: “Having worked in and around sport most of my adult life, the chance to lead the work for my home city of Liverpool to host the Commonwealth Games is a huge privilege. I am delighted to be involved in this project and clear that Liverpool, with such an illustrious sports history, will make the perfect host city for the Commonwealth Games.
“I have already spent some time with the team and am very impressed with their enthusiasm and expertise.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “I am delighted that Brian Barwick has accepted my invitation to Chair the city’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games. He brings a wealth of experience both as a leader of some of the biggest sports organisations in the country and a successful career at the highest level in TV sport.”
Working with Barwick and the Mayor will be Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale who is a director at Everton Football Club and an executive chair of Everton in the Community. She will be taking on the role of Deputy Chair of Liverpool’s bid.
Barrett-Baxendale, said: “Liverpool has proven itself time and again as a natural home for world class events. I am incredibly proud to be part of Team Liverpool, waorking on a Commonwealth Games bid that will engage and excite the community in sporting activity.”
