Team England claimed the 5,000 metres and 10,000m Olympic and world champion had made the decision to remain at his training base in Font Romeu to return to full fitness in time for the European Championships in Zurich.

Farah had missed the Diamond League meeting in Glasgow earlier this month due to abdominal pains and admitted he was still not fit enough to compete at the levels seen in 2012 and 2013.

"I have taken the tough decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"The sickness I had two weeks ago was a big setback for me.

"Training is getting better here in Font Romeu but I need another few weeks to get back to the level I was at in 2012 and 2013.

"I really wanted to add the Commonwealth titles to my Olympic and World Championships but the event is coming a few weeks too soon for me as my body is telling me it's not ready to race yet. 

"Best wishes to my fellow athletes in Glasgow."

Mo Farah was set to be one of the stars of the show at Glasgow 2014 after his double Olympic gold success at London 2012 made him a family favourite across Great Britain ©Getty Images



The news will come as a huge blow for Glasgow 2014 organisers, with Farah among the major draws set to compete at these Games.

Speaking at a media press briefing here in Glasgow, David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glsagow 2014, said: "It's very disappointing for Mo.

"I know how much he wanted to be here and know he would have been provided with a fantastic welcome.

"Certainly there will be some disappointed people but there are plenty of top athletes who are coming and who are already here."

Team England's Chef de Mission, Jan Paterson, added: "It is a real blow for any athlete to miss out on a major championships through injury, but to have fought so hard to regain full fitness and to have to take such a difficult decision at this stage is particularly hard.

"We wish Mo all the very best and hope to see him back to his peak very soon."

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