Langford has officially bowed out of the running to host a FIFA World Cup training camp in 2026, after city council voted unanimously Monday night to end its pursuit.

The decision means South Island soccer fans won’t see international superstars setting up in Langford for the tournament, and kids won’t get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness a FIFA takeover at Starlight Stadium.

“Would have been kinda cool for some global superstars to be around town, ya know?” said Charlie, during a kickaround with friends at Braefoot Park in Saanich Tuesday.

Cool, but costly.

At the heart of the issue was FIFA’s requirement that Starlight’s artificial turf be replaced with natural grass at a cost of $1 million to $1.2 million. Mayor Scott Goodmanson said the city’s proposal hinged on provincial

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