Liverpool offer to host 2022 Commonwealth Games as South Africa doubt rumbles on
Tuesday 28 February 2017 18:24, UK
Liverpool has offered to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games if Durban in South Africa opts out over costs.
South Africa's sports minister Fikile Mbalula told reporters at a media briefing on Tuesday that Durban 2022 may be cancelled.
That plunged the Commonwealth Games' future into doubt, but mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has offered a lifeline.
"Happy to confirm I've told government of our desire to host 2022 CWG," he wrote on Twitter.
Durban was named host in September 2015 but its selection was subject to conditions, some which have not been met, and a review of its commitment is ongoing.
South Africa has previously demonstrated its ability to host global sports events, delivering the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Should its host status end there may be few alternatives - but Liverpool has put its hand up as one.
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson confirmed: "Liverpool is interested in hosting the Games in 2022.
"We had heard Durban might be unable to deliver the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and have already indicated to the Government that we are very willing to host them instead."
