Donald Trump's election as United States president could impact Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Olympics and the nation's interest in co-hosting the 2026 football World Cup
Success of the two efforts will likely depend on how a Trump-led US deals with other nations and issues such as immigration, with observers noting that his election could harm LA and boost Paris' chances for 2024.
No country has hosted more Olympics than the US (four summer and four winter each) but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does also not hesitate to snub the country.
Not even the presence of outgoing president Barack Obama at the IOC Session which elected the 2016 hosts helped Chicago's bid which went out in the first round in the 2009 ballot; four years after New York was eliminated in the second round of voting for the 2012 Games.
IOC members are from all around the world and have various religious and cultural backgrounds, and the Olympic Charter says the Olympic Movement "is to contribute building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination."
Trump has alienated many with his stated plans of building a wall at the US-Mexican border, restrictions on immigration from Muslim countries and sending home large numbers of illegal immigrants.
What will become of that once he officially takes office in January remains to be seen.
Trump appeared conciliatory in his acceptance speech Wednesday, saying he wanted to be president for all Americans and that "we will get along with all other countries willing to get along with us."
Trump could follow the example of Obama and other heads of state and lobby IOC members on LA's behalf when the host city is elected at its Session in Lima in September 2017, with Hungary's Budapest the third candidate.
The Los Angeles bid committee swiftly congratulated Trump - who carried the Olympic torch during the relay ahead of the Athens 2004 Games - lauding his "longstanding support of the Olympic movement in the United States.
"We look forward to working closely with President-elect Trump and his Administration across the federal government to deliver a 'New Games for a new Era' that will benefit and inspire the entire Olympic movement in 2024," it said.
LA mayor Eric Garcetti, who as a Democrat backed Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, had seemingly hinted during the Rio Games in August that Trump's possible policy of turning America inward "isn't good for world peace, isn't good for progress, isn't good for all of us.
"America (needs) to be engaged with the world and not turning into itself. We think the Olympics is the perfect way to do that."
He however added: "I would say this bid does not depend on any election, this bid is about a city that is connected to the Olympics and the way that sports transforms and transcends politics."
IOC president Thomas Bach meanwhile also congratulated Trump to "wish him all the best for his term in office for all the people of the United States and of the world."
Football's ruling body FIFA has not commented on the election result which could also impact its showcase World Cup and possibly also the ongoing US investigation into corruption in the sport.
The US is seen as favourite to host the 2026 World Cup which is set to be the first with a planned expansion to 40 or 48 teams. However, there are options it could host the tournament together with Canada and possibly with Mexico as well.
Trump's remarks on Mexicans and the wall plans could however be counterproductive - and a first test of the current atmosphere could come on Friday when the US play Mexico in World Cup 2018 qualifier in Columbus.
US midfielder Michael Bradley was quoted as admitting that Trump's remarks and victory led to "an added layer to the game" but called for restraint now that the campaign has been fought.
"Regardless of how you've voted, we have an obligation to come together, get behind our new president and have faith and trust that he will do what's best for the entire country," he said.
By John Bagratuni
