Istanbul to bid for 2020 Olympics

A Turkish official says Istanbul will bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

The official from Turkey’s Olympic committee says Turkish Prime Minister will formally announce Istanbul’s bid later on Saturday.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to  make an announcement.

It’s Istanbul’s fifth attempt to host the games, after failed bids in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012.

Rome, Madrid and Tokyo have already announced bids. Another potential candidate is Doha, Qatar.

South Africa announced it would not bid, but has indicated it could still reverse its decision.

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, which has been hit by the global economic crisis, decided not to bid.

The IOC will select the 2020 host city in 2013.