A visit has been paid by CGF leaders as the process continues towards Durban 2022's deadline ©Getty Images

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) leaders have visited Durban as part of their process to inspect the South African city before a November 30 deadline for meeting criteria necessary for them to remain hosts of the organisation's showpiece event in 2022.

Both the CGF President Louise Martin and chief executive David Grevemberg visited last week, insidethegames understands.

They met with representatives from the South African Government and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee as well as "other delivery partners".

It formed part of their "continued dialogue and commitments to support Durban's progress" towards the deadline.

South Africa were warned earlier this month that they must meet a series of conditions or face being stripped of the Games.

Durban were awarded the Games at the CGF Assembly in Auckland in September 2015 but have so far 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.

The CGF have said they "remain committed to ensuring that Durban 2022 will be a great success", but a motion was passed that gives the CGF ruling Executive Board the authority to choose a new host city without a formal bid process if the event is withdrawn.

Durban have missed a series of deadlines since they were awarded the Games in September 2015 ©Getty Images
Durban have missed a series of deadlines since they were awarded the Games in September 2015 ©Getty Images

SASCOC President Gideon Sam has since admitted that the event "hangs in the balance".

"Commonwealth Games representatives are [were] in South Africa to meet with the South African Government, SASCOC and other delivery partners as part of our continued commitment to support and advise them on their first steps and initial obligations on the journey towards 2022," a CGF spokesperson told insidethegames.

"This follows the decision taken at our General Assembly to continue, as a first priority, to support South Africa and Durban to achieve satisfactory resolution of all outstanding matters by November 30, 2016."

Durban were chosen as hosts after Edmonton, its only rival, withdrew due to the falling oil prices worldwide.

The city has since missed a number of key deadlines, including establishing an Organising Committee within 180 days of being awarded the Games.

If Durban is stripped of the Games, other cities will be approached to see if they are interested.

Among the countries to rule themselves out are England, who are planning to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after both Birmingham and Liverpool expressed an interest.