Britain had to withdraw its offer to host the 2005 World Athletics Championships because the government initially thought the stadium would be better as a football-only affair.

ECONOMIST: Wembley Stadium

The city government has threatened to withdraw its paltry compensation offer from anyone who refuses to move.

BBC: Beijing homes make way for history

Easy credit and a property boom have seen Ukraine's capital Kiev expand rapidly but the global downturn has seen investors and those willing to offer loans withdraw.

BBC: IMF aid for Ukraine and Hungary