Dame Katherine Grainger, a resigning UK sports chair, says it’s “frustrating” that the UK has warned of a “big gap” and not staged a bigger event in the next decade.
“We risk public investment, risk global reputation, and risk athlete opportunities,” the head of the funding agency told BBC Sport.
The former Olympic rowing champion has left his role as the most advanced figure in the Olympic and Paralympic sports after eight years of duty.
In addition to funding elite athletes, UK sports also seek to ensure that the country bids and stages for the world’s largest event.
“We have a big reputation for it,” she said. “However, I think there are challenges to come.
“There are a few [events] They were lined up. However, when it comes to “mega events,” there is no safe thing after 2028. ”
The number of major events hosted in the UK has been declining since its launch in 2010.
The UK is set to host the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup in England this year, along with the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
Last week it was confirmed that the men’s and women’s tour de France race will begin in the UK in 2027. In football, the UK and Ireland are leading the 2028 Men’s European Championship.
But while her hometown has also expressed intention to submit a joint bid for the 2035 Women’s Football World Cup, Grainger says she needs to do more.
“I don’t want a fallow year,” she said. “We haven’t actually been named since 2028. That’s a huge gap.
“There are still many events, and it is clear why these mega-events are so important to this country, but even so, we haven’t made the case clear.
“It may be a very difficult time for governments to support financially, especially, but there is still something we can do to get more security… We need more in this country to make sure we have a consistent eyeball about what we do in sports.
“We can’t satisfy our place in global sports. We should still have great ambitions about what we can do, and that will take collaboration.”
UK sports have secured a record £330 million funding package for the sport over the next four years in pursuit of medals in the LA 2028 games, but they hope for more financial support to bid on major events.
The bid could require a few years of campaigns, with Grainger highlighting the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the 2030 Solheim Cup and the 2031 Ryder Cup targeting.
She also said there is “really good conversations” around Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities. Currently outside of UK sports funding, the event has never been performed in the UK.
DCMS was approached for comments.
