The Executive Committee of the Mediterranean Games held a virtual meeting ©CIJM

Organisers of the Oran 2022 Mediterranean Games have been urged to "significantly intensify preparations" by the Executive Committee of the International Committee for the Mediterranean Games (ICMG).

The ICMG Executive Committee have expressed concern at what they describe as "cumbersome bureaucratic delays."

They warned that these could affect the smooth running of the 2022 Mediterranean Games in Oran and cause delays in the selection of the doping laboratory for the Games.

The meeting, held on a virtual platform, heard detailed reports from Oran 2022 director Salim Ilès and ICMG coordination President Bernard Amsalem.

They "noted with satisfaction the progress of works and infrastructural level."

Earlier this week, the floodlights in the main stadium in Oran were switched on, but officials admitted they remained worried by delays "in the field of technical organisation."

They highlighted problems with tender procedures "to ensure the necessary allocations for the smooth running of the Games, including the selection of the doping control laboratory, technology and communication."

Invitations for the Games, postponed from 2021 because the COVID-19 pandemic, will be issued on June 25, exactly one year before the Games are due to begin.

Oran 2022 organisers have been urged to
Oran 2022 organisers have been urged to "significantly intensify preparations" by the Executive Committee of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games ©Getty Images

The committee also heard a report by the working group in charge of studying the programme of wrestling at Oran 2022, commissioned by United World Wrestling (UWW).

The 2021 ICMG General Assembly has been scheduled for October 14 in the Mediterranean Games host city of Oran.

It is set to take place one day after a seminar for Mediterranean Games team leaders, but could be switched to an online virtual conference if it should prove necessary.

Should health conditions related to the pandemic in Algeria not allow the holding of the General Assembly in person, it can then be organised - following the decision of the Executive Committee - by videoconference and voting will take place online.

Meanwhile organisers in Pesaro, Italy are trying to secure funding for the 2023 Mediterranean Beach Games.

The city was described as being "severely impacted financially by the effects of the pandemic."

Victor Sanchez, leader of the Coordination Commission for Taranto 2026 offered an update on the early stages of preparations. 

The Commission is set to meet soon with Organising Committee officials by video conference.