Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, has downplayed concerns that the empty seats at the European Championships in Birmingham will impact London's bid for the 2029 World Championships. Despite sparse crowds earlier in the week, which sparked discussions about ticket prices and marketing, the last four days of the event are nearing a sellout.

European Athletics has expressed support for the organizers, noting that the event achieved peak audiences exceeding two million people and a 20% market share on the BBC.

When questioned about the implications of the empty seats on London’s bid, Coe highlighted the capital's history of full stadiums, referencing:

• London 2012 Olympics
• London 2017 World Championships
• Successful Diamond League sales five months prior to events.

Coe acknowledged the challenges faced in Birmingham, attributing them to several factors, including the timing of the championships, local conditions, and the stadium's coverage. He stated, "It’s always a challenge starting a championship on a Monday morning..."

While Coe will not vote on the 2029 championships, an evaluation panel will assess the four competing cities—London, Munich, Nairobi, and Rome—using specific metrics to guide the World Athletics Council in their decision-making process. He emphasized, "It’s a pretty coherent process... it still gives the council the opportunity to properly interrogate beyond the work of the evaluation."