Eugene, Oregon, has been awarded the 2021 World Athletics Championships without a bidding process.

The sport’s governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) bypassed the normal bidding process saying it was “a unique strategic opportunity” to hold the event in the United States for the first time.

IAAF chief Lamine Diack said the decision was taken “in the interest of the global development of our sport”.

Eugene missed out on the 2019 event.

Doha in Qatar was awarded that championships, but a recent presentation to the IAAF persuaded the governing body that the American city has what it takes to stage a major event.

Lamine Diack added: “In granting the championships to Eugene the IAAF Council have made a clear choice on a strategic decision that enables us to take advantage of a unique opportunity that may never arise again.

“It will see public authorities, the private sector, the national Olympic Committee, NBC and a particularly enthusiastic public joining forces.”

The 2007 World Championships held in Osaka, Japan, was also awarded without a bidding process.