BAKU: Netherlands has surprisingly pulled out of hosting the 2019 European Games two days before the inaugural continental multi-sports competition starts in Azerbaijan, the European Olympic Committees (EOC) said on Wednesday.

The Dutch government were the only bidders for the Games, a new concept along the lines of the Pan-American and Asian Games, when they were awarded the event less than a month ago.

The decision could not have come at a worse time for the EOC, desperate to pitch the Games as a valued addition to the already crowded international sports calendar.

“This news is disappointing, but we would like to thank the Dutch for their interest,” said EOC chairman Patrick Hickey in a statement.

“I have no doubt that we will be able to present a strong host for the 2019 European Games, but right now our focus remains on ensuring this inaugural edition is the best possible launch pad for Europe’s first continental Games.”

Azerbaijan spent millions building new venues and refurbishing existing ones for an event that will include 20 sports, 16 of which are Olympic ones.

A dozen sports are offering direct or indirect qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The Dutch had submitted a nationwide proposal rather than staging the Games in one city.

The EOC said it would now resume talks with other potential hosts but said all discussions will be held in private.