Switzerland’s federal government says it would contribute almost 1 billion Swiss francs (USD1.02 billion) toward Sion hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Swiss federal council voted to support the proposed candidature, which still requires approval from expected public votes.
Federal councilor Guy Parmelin, who heads the department for sports, says the project would be withdrawn if the votes are lost.
Swiss support comes three days after voters in Austria rejected a proposed 2026 bid by two-time host Innsbruck.
Sion’s plan involves hosting events in towns and cantons (states) across Switzerland which could insist on a referendum.
The federal council says it could contribute 827 million francs ($842 million) toward the organizing budget.
The International Olympic Committee is scheduled to pick the 2026 host in 2019.
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