Birmingham, Liverpool interested in hosting after Durban stripped of 2022 Commonwealth Games

The English cities of Birmingham and Liverpool have expressed interest in hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games after Durban was stripped of the right on Monday.

"Here in Birmingham we are already in the advanced stages of producing a detailed feasibility study on what would be needed for a truly memorable games in the city," said Ian Ward, the deputy leader of Birmingham City Council in a statement.

"That is due to be completed in the coming weeks and we are in close contact with the Government about the developing situation."

Birmingham had already expressed an interest in staging the 2026 Games, as had Liverpool.

Commonwealth Games

Thompson-Herah wins 200m gold at Commonwealth Games

07/08/2022 at 13:29

The BBC quoted a spokesperson for Liverpool City Council as saying they had "already indicated to the government that we are very willing to host them [the 2022 Games] instead."

The news comes as the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said Durban, which had hoped to be the first African city to host the Games, had failed to meet the promises contained in its bid and the search for a replacement host was now on

.

Durban was confirmed as 2022 Commonwealth Games host in 2015

Image credit: Eurosport

"This is a huge disappointment for us and for the whole African continent. But without the necessary government guarantees, we couldn’t move on," the Commonwealth Games Federation vice-president told Reuters.

"Everybody was very excited to see the Commonwealth Games staged in Durban, which was very well equipped to host the event, but once the economics started to play a role, it became difficult.

"We had hoped to make this a Games for all of Africa, and so this is a very sad day for the whole continent."

The 2018 Games will be held on Australia's Gold Coast.

Commonwealth Games

Semenya, Cheptegei double up as class shows on Gold Coast

14/04/2018 at 14:53

Commonwealth Games

Brownlee brothers rue 'terrible' day after failing to medal in triathlon

05/04/2018 at 07:14

Commonwealth Games

Birmingham confirmed as hosts of 2022 Commonwealth Games

21/12/2017 at 09:51