Doha joins 2020 Olympics race after receiving positive IOC feedback

The Qatari capital of Doha has entered the running to host the 2020 Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed to consider its plans to stage the Games between September and October.
Qatar tabled a bid for the 2016 Olympics, but failed to reach the final vote after being eliminated by the IOC. The tiny Gulf country, which is scheduled to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the traditional months of June and July by using specially-created, air-conditioned stadia, asked the IOC to decide whether it could submit a bid to host the Olympics outside its normal 15th July to 31st August.
Following lengthy negotiations with the IOC, in which reports indicate the IOC offered encouraging feedback, Doha joined Rome, Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul in submitting its tender ahead of the IOC's 1st September deadline for submissions.
The Azerbaijan capital of Baku also submitted a late hosting tender.
Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani explained "in light of the decision of (IOC) President (Jacques) Rogge and the IOC Executive Board, I am delighted to formally announce Doha's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.
"Our bid can inspire peace and is a priority for our youthful region. Sport and Olympism together instil self-discipline, teamwork, drive and help teach all of us the means of achieving our personal goals
"To simply have a chance to enter the bidding process is a step closer to realising something very special for our nation, our region and the Olympic Movement. I wish to personally thank Jacques Rogge and the IOC for guiding us through and supporting the QOC in entering the bidding race without the disadvantage of dates. I look forward to working closely with the IOC and the wider Olympic family hopefully all the way through to the IOC Session in Buenos Aires in September 2013 for what could be an historic moment for the Olympic movement and the Middle East."
The last Summer Games to take place outside of the traditional window was the Sydney Olympics in 2000, which ran from 15th September to 1st October.