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Birmingham On Target To Host 2022 Commonwealth Games As No Opponents Come Forward

Birmingham appears set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 now that the extended application deadline of November 30 has passed and no other cities have publicly announced intentions to bid.

Birmingham, UK reveal 2022 Commonwealth Games Project (Birmingham 2022 Photo)
Birmingham, UK reveal 2022 Commonwealth Games Project (Birmingham 2022 Photo)

The British city was chosen over rival Liverpool as the nation’s nomination and remained as the only international bidder after potential campaigns from Victoria and Toronto in Canada and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia failed to materialize.  Several Australian cities were also interested but held back as possible back-ups should no other viable city come forward.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has been moving forward carefully even as it rushes to replace former 2022 host Durban after the South African City was stripped of the Games early this year when it missed financial milestones.  Birmingham had been the only city to meet the initial September deadline for replacement bids but was deemed “non-compliant” regarding government guarantees.

Now, it seems, the CGF will move forward with Birmingham after the additional time has expired with no new interest.

“Over the last two months, since the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Executive Board’s decision to extend the deadline for the 2022 Commonwealth Games selection process, updates have been received from Australia, Canada, England and Malaysia,” a CGF statement said Friday.

“The CGF wishes to thank all four countries for the interest that they have shown in hosting the Commonwealth Games.”

The CGF Executive Board is expected to meet December 6 and will receive an update from the Evaluation Panel at that time before further intentions are announced.

According to BBC Friday Birmingham 2022’s Chief Ian Ward said “We have had a number of productive meetings with the Commonwealth Games Federation as we demonstrate that Birmingham, being at the heart of the UK and the soul of the Commonwealth, would make the ideal host for the 2022 Games.

“We look forward to a decision from the CGF in the near future.”

A senior producer and award-winning journalist covering Olympic bid business as founder of GamesBids.com as well as providing freelance support for print and Web publications around the world. Robert Livingstone is a member of the Olympic Journalists Association and the International Society of Olympic Historians.

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