Chungcheong was awarded hosting rights for the 2027 FISU Games in November last year, but an Organising Committee is yet to be established ©FISU

Political leaders in Chungcheong's four cities and provinces have expressed concern over delays to the establishment of an Organising Committee for the 2027 Summer World University Games.

The South Korean Megacity beat competition from North Carolina in the United States to secure bidding rights from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) the 2027 Summer edition of the Summer World University Games in November last year.

It had been hoped an Organising Committee would be established by May 31.

Conflicts between the cities of Daejeon and Sejong and provinces of Chungbuk and Chungnam, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have not been resolved to enable this.

The four cities and provinces reportedly held an inaugural general meeting last month and wanted to appoint Lee Chang-seop as vice-chair and Yoon Kang-ro as secretary general of the Organising Committee.

Yoon's appointment drew objections from the KSOC, and his subsequent dismissal prompted him to take legal action.

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, Sejong Mayor Choi Min-ho, Chungbuk Governor Kim Young-hwan and Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum have now issued a joint statement urging the KSOC to cooperate and help end the impasse.

Chungcheong is expected to use 31 venues to host the 2027 FISU Games ©Chungcheong 2027
Chungcheong is expected to use 31 venues to host the 2027 FISU Games ©Chungcheong 2027

"The earnest wishes of 5.6 million Chungcheong people who wish for the successful hosting of the 2027 Summer [University] Games are being ignored," the four leaders claimed, as reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap.

"We agree with the judgment and measures of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and it is self-evident that no one will be helped if there is further confusion ahead of a major national event.

"It will only leave irreparable scars on the sports world and our sports world, and it cannot be justified under any justification."

insidethegames has asked FISU for a comment.

In its bid, Chungcheong Megacity promised infrastructure projects totalling €1.7 billion (£1.5 billion/$1.8 billion) will be completed by early 2027, and the participation fee would be reduced from €75 (£64/$81) to €20 (£17/$22) through Government support.

Chungcheong 2027 is set to feature 18 sports at 31 venues.

The rival bid from North Carolina was later awarded the 2029 edition of the Summer World University Games.