Durban has lost the rights to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, according to Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula.
He stated that the decision to withdraw from hosting the 2022 games in Durban was in South Africa’s best interest.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“In the interest of this country and the financial prudence, our government has considered all options, and remains confident that we’ve acted in the best interests of South Africa,”[/perfectpullquote]
he said.
According to Mbalula, South Africa was stalling the signing of the host-city agreement as some clauses were deemed compromising to South Africa.
“Expectation that government will provide more than what cabinet approved could not be sustained in the current economic climate,” Mbalula added.
Mbalula however stressed that, South Africa will remain a destination for mega sporting events.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We will continue to bid for major events that include rugby tournaments, World Cup; we are ready.”[/perfectpullquote]
Durban 2022 was set to be the first Commonwealth Games to be held in Africa after the City was named as hosts in 2015.
Following the meeting in London, the Commonwealth Games Federation is actively exploring alternative options but no details were given.
Liverpool and Birmingham have expressed interest in staging the 2022 edition.
Featured photo: sports Minister Fikile Mbalula. (Getty Images)
