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Munich Olympic Referendum Nears as Sports Ministers Urge Transparent DOSB Selection

City officials say the October 26 vote is legally secure despite scrutiny of a media report on alleged internal polling.

Overview

  • About 1.1 million Munich residents can vote by mail or in person on October 26, with a 10 percent turnout required for the referendum to be valid.
  • A yes vote would commit the city to continue the bid in competition with Berlin, Hamburg and Rhein-Ruhr before a national DOSB decision planned for 2026.
  • The Sports Ministers Conference backed a German Olympic effort and called on the DOSB to publish clear, objective selection criteria and on the federal government to clarify financial participation.
  • Munich’s elections office is reviewing whether an administrative offense occurred after a report claimed internal figures showed early mail voters leaned yes; the DOSB says it has not released polls and does not comment on internal meetings.
  • Campaigning has intensified, with FC Bayern deploying stadium and digital promotions for a yes vote as NOlympia and environmental groups warn of high public costs, rising rents and contractual risks; a TUM study outlined potential transport and housing benefits alongside notable risks contingent on strong project management.