Durban 'unable to host Commonwealth Games 2022'

Published: February 28 2017 | 19:24

Last updated: February 28 2017 | 20:13

South Africa's sports minister says that Durban may not be able to host the Commonwealth Games.

Durban is reportedly on the verge of withdrawing as host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

South Africa's sports minister Fikile Mbalula has been quoted as saying that the city is unable to stage the tournament due to financial constraints.

"We gave it our best shot but we can't go beyond. If the country says we don't have this money, we can't," he told Reuters.

Durban was awarded the Games in 2015 after emerging as the only bidder for the tournament.

A final decision on whether the city is able to act as host will be made by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

News of Durban's potential withdraw has sparked interest from UK city Liverpool, which has confirmed that it would be a "willing host" for 2022.

"Liverpool is interested in hosting the games in 2022. We had heard rumours that 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," said Liverpool City Council in a statement.

Liverpool officials previously revealed that they were interested in hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Durban's potential withdrawal could see them land the competition earlier.