South Africa Loses Rights to Host 2022 Commonwealth Games

According to a report from the BBC, South Africa has declined the rights to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban. 

It was the first time the games would be held in the country.

It is believed the city did not meet the criteria set by the Commonwealth Games Federation and an announcement is expected later on today.

Durban was awarded the Games in 2015 as the only city to make a confirmed bid and it was to have been the first African host of the event.

In February, South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula hinted that the city is broke and may not be able to host the event. 

"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 said.

Liverpool has offered to host the games.