Durban loses 2022 Commonwealth Games as Liverpool stands by

Durban has lost the right o host the 2022 Commonwealth Games after failing to meet its bid commitments.

The South African city was awarded the Games in 2015, but a review by the Commonwealth Games Federation reported "a significant departure from the undertakings" made in the bid.

Officials in Liverpool have already said the city can step in as a replacement for Durban, which would have been the first African city to host the Games.

Louise Martin, CGF president, said: "In line with the mandate from members at the 2016 General Assembly, the CGF
is actively exploring alternative options, including a potential replacement host.

"The CGF will continue to have an open dialogue with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and the Republic of South Africa and remains committed to realising the shared ambitions of a future Commonwealth Games in Africa.

"The CGF is fully confident and committed to delivering a successful Commonwealth Games for athletes and fans in 2022."

The organisation's chief executive David Grevemberg said: "We are sad, of course we are, but particularly for the people of South Africa.

"But, having measured the progress made by Durban 2022 against the bid commitments, we felt we had no choice to take this decision."

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said last month: "I have written to Tracey Crouch [the UK's secretary of state for sport] and assured her that we would be ready for that date.

"I am very confident that the city will be able to cope with the demands of holding the games then."