MMA group gifts $82,000 cognac to Brisbane Olympic committee

An emerging mixed-martial arts association, headed by a prominent Singaporean businessman, has courted Brisbane's key Olympic decision-making body with exceptionally high-value gifts, including a staggering $82,000 bottle of cognac. The extravagance of these presents was such that the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games opted not to retain them. In fact, they surrendered two bottles of wine, valued at $20,000, to Customs rather than pay the associated import duties.

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Brisbane 2032 is open for business.

These lavish offerings, revealed through an exclusive report, are part of a wider pattern of attempted influence-peddling and relationship-building efforts by various businesses and sporting organizations seeking to gain favor ahead of the 2032 Games. The hospitality register for the Brisbane committee, which is responsible for managing venue operations and proposing additional sports to the International Olympic Committee, was accessed via right-to-information laws. The procurement contracts managed by this committee alone are worth an estimated $2.5 billion.

The hospitality register details other instances of expensive gifts and entertainment. For example, the IT and live entertainment organization PMY Group spent $2,300 on a Brisbane committee employee, which included passes to an AFL game and an Australian Grand Prix event, as part of a "PMY client conference." Similarly, catering company Compass Group spent $2,200 for a committee official to attend the Australian Open "Levy Experience," where Levy is Compass's subsidiary. The committee employee reportedly gained "insights into major event operations and hospitality practices that can inform planning for the Games."

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Once you are signed up as a supplier, as a sponsor, you then get invited to networking, hospitality, trade shows, you can be in a room with local and federal government, international business, and you can really make a name for yourself.

Experts note that such corporate hospitality is legal and a common tactic for business development, allowing companies to foster relationships and showcase their offerings. Lisa Gowthorp, a sports governance expert at Bond University, explained that the Games provide a powerful platform for business growth. "Once you are signed up as a supplier, as a sponsor, you then get invited to networking, hospitality, trade shows, you can be in a room with local and federal government, international business, and you can really make a name for yourself," she told the ABC. The Olympics offer a global stage with significant visibility, attracting billions of hours of viewership, making it a prime opportunity for companies to establish their presence and secure valuable face-time.

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It is global, it has great values, and you're going to be seen around the world.