Birmingham steps up Commonwealth Games bid

Birmingham may bring forward its timetable for staging the Commonwealth Games following a decision by the event’s governing body to strip Durban of the right to host the 2022 Games.

The city had already expressed an interest in staging the 2026 tournament and a feasibility study into the bid is currently nearing completion.

The decision by the Commonwealth Games Federation to strip the South African city of the right to stage the tournament because it does not meet the organisation’s criteria means a new host city has to be found.

Birmingham, due to its advanced preparations, could be one of the front runners, although it is understood it could face competition from North West rival, Liverpool.

Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “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.

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

The decision to award the Games to Durban was made in September 2015 and the city was due to be the first African city to host the event.