Durban 2022 meet deadline, but will wait six weeks for outcome

South Africa were warned in October that they were in danger of losing the right to host the event if they did not meet a series of requirements they were supposed to have satisfied last year set by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

Host city Durban was given a November 30 deadline to submit important documents to the CGF to remain as the chosen city for the Games. It was confirmed that Durban did submit all the required documents, but now the CGF will take up to six weeks to fully evaluate the submission.

“The criteria are the solid foundations upon which any successful Games and legacy plan [are] built. Every prospective host city must meet these criteria,” a Commonwealth Games Foundation spokesman said.

“The CGF has now received final submissions from the Durban bid team against these criteria and will evaluate the submissions thoroughly before making a final recommendation to the CGF executive board on Durban’s ability to host the Games in accordance with its original bid and the conditions of the award.

“This process and any final decision may take up to six weeks, given the importance of the matter,” the spokesman said.

Despite being awarded the Games in September 2015, Durban had failed to sign the Host City contract, establish and Organising Committee or make a single required payment to the CGF.

The CGF now has the authority to choose a new host city if Durban has to withdraw.

Durban was required to establish an Organising Committee within six months of being awarded the rights to host the event, but over a year later had still not created one.

If Durban loses the Games, other hosts cities will be approached with regards to hosting.