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LONDON. — Potential candidate cities for the 2022 Commonwealth Games have until the end of the month to submit details of intent with Birmingham seen to be in pole position as organisers continue the search for a new host.

Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur and the Canadian city of Victoria are also in the running but both have sent mixed signals in recent months concerning their ability to pay for the event. South Africa’s Durban were removed as hosts in March after failing to agree to financial guarantees and losing government support.

“Over the past few months, an expert CGF (Commonwealth Games Federation) review team has been working with countries from around the Commonwealth in the evaluation of proposals of a variety of host cities,” a federation spokesman said yesterday.

“Submissions from candidate cities are to be submitted to the CGF by September 30. “The CGF Executive Board will then take time to comprehensively review the submissions before making a final decision on the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which is expected by the end of the year.”

The board meets in Sri Lanka early next month. — Reuters