London's 2017 bid 'in really good shape'

(GETTY IMAGES)

The head of UK Athletics claims the removal of uncertainty over the future of the Olympic Stadium has put London in with a good chance of winning next week's vote for the 2017 World Championships.

Ed Warner has been in touch with many of the 27 International Association of Athletics Federations council members who will vote between London and Doha, the capital of Qatar, and says the bid is now "in really good shape". Warner, speaking after a face-to-face meeting with the IAAF vice-president Sergey Bubka, said: "Having the stadium issue completely resolved has been very important to us in the last few weeks.

"There are 27 people entitled to vote, most of them are seasoned, experienced hands at this and we are aiming to meet or speak to every single one of them. The debate has shifted from the stadium to 'tell us about your bid', and I think we are in really good shape but we can't be complacent."

Warner admits that Doha, with Qatar's financial muscle behind the bid, are "doughty opponents" with a proven track record of winning bids, including the right to host the 2022 football World Cup.

PA