Taichung's right to host East Asian Youth Games revoked

Taipei, July 24 (CNA) The East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) has revoked Taichung's right to host the first East Asian Youth Games slated for 2019, reportedly due to "political factors," the government of the central Taiwan city said Tuesday.

The decision was made following a vote in an EAOC council meeting held Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Taichung City government.

It described the EAOC decision as "regrettable, hasty and brutal" and called on the committee not to sacrifice the rights of athletes because of political intervention.

"This not only violates the purpose and sportsmanship of Olympic games but also overlooks the efforts made by all citizen of Taichung and Taiwan as well as the participating countries and regions," the city government said.

The city said it has already spent nearly NT$677 million on preparations for the games.