Durban 2022 could be stripped of the Commonwealth Games in March ©Getty Images

A final decision on whether Durban remains host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games is expected to be announced next month, insidethegames has been told.

South African organisers were initially given a list of criteria to fulfil by a deadline of November 30 or face the risk of being stripped of the Games. 

A Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) review team has since been assessing the city's response and claim that this process will not be finished until the end of February.

The review team will then present to the CGF Executive Board at a meeting due to take place in London on March 10 and 11.

Durban were awarded the Games at the CGF Assembly in Auckland in September 2015, but have failed to sign the Host City contract, establish an Organising Committee, confirm the underwriting arrangements as per contractual requirements or make any payments to the CGF.

"A review team appointed by the CGF is in the final stages of evaluating the submissions received from South Africa to determine whether Durban's proposals for hosting the Games are consistent with their original Bid Commitments," a CGF spokesperson told insidethegames. 

"A final recommendation will be referred to the CGF Executive Board once the review team has completed its deliberations. 

"Given the variety and significance of the outstanding matters under consideration, it is anticipated that the review process will not be completed, and a recommendation made to the CGF Executive Board, before the end of February."

The CGF, headed by Scotland's Louise Martin, is expected to make a decision at its Executive Board meeting in London next month about whether Durban should host the 2022 Commonwealth Games or not ©Getty Images
The CGF, headed by Scotland's Louise Martin, is expected to make a decision at its Executive Board meeting in London next month about whether Durban should host the 2022 Commonwealth Games or not ©Getty Images

The CGF passed a motion at their General Assembly in Edmonton last October which would give their ruling Executive Board the power to choose a new host city without a formal bid process if the event is withdrawn.

It is possible that the long delay since the November deadline has also occurred because the governing body are keen to have a replacement lined up by the time the decision is made.

Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips told insidethegames in December that they would consider hosting should the CGF approach them.

Australia will host the Games for a record fifth time when the event takes place in Gold Coast in 2018, following on from Sydney 1938, Perth 1962, Brisbane 1982 and Melbourne 2006.

Commonwealth Games England have appeared to rule themselves out as as Birmingham and Liverpool have expressed an interest in the 2026 edition.

Durban ended up as the sole bidder for the 2022 event after Edmonton in Canada withdrew as a result of falling oil prices.