Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin told the General Assembly here that South African officials must fulfill its contractual obligations by November 30 or they will lose the event.

Durban were awarded the Games at the last CGF Assembly 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. 

"This historic decision awarded the Games to Africa for the first time - an inspiring and important moment for our Commonwealth sporting fraternity," Martin told delegates.

"I must state clearly, as has been reaffirmed this week, that we all remain committed to ensuring that Durban 2022 will be a great success.

"As you know, the award to Durban was based on a number of conditions which were to be achieved within a specified period."

Martin cast serious doubts over whether any of the conditions would be met by the deadline following discussions with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). 

She claimed the most important priority was protecting the Commonwealth Games so it took place in 2022 and followed what is expected to be a successful event at Gold Coast 2018. 

"In the past two weeks we have received information from SASCOC and the South African Government that raises doubts in relation to their financial position and their ability to meet the commitments they made through the bid," Martin said. 

"I acknowledge that there have been and there are challenges. 

"And while there is time to address these challenges, we need to be mindful not to place ourselves in a position where a Games in 2022 are at risk.

"Therefore, we need to resolve this situation with our colleagues from South Africa expeditiously."

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the CGF ruling Executive Board the authority to choose a new host city without a formal bid process if the event is withdrawn from Durban.

"We are still six years out - so now is the time to reinforce our commitments in partnership with Durban - as I sincerely hope we will do - or look at alternatives," said Martin. 

Tubby Reddy, the chief executive of SASCOC, told delegates that they remain committed to staging the event.

"There is no deviation from hosting the Games," he said.

"It's about what the South African Government will commit too."

Durban were awarded the Commonwealth Games at the CGF General Assembly in Auckland in September 2015. 

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

Durban have since missed a number of key deadlines.

These included establishing an Organising Committee within 180 days of being awarded the Games.  

They have also failed to make their first payment of £1.5 million ($1.9 million/€1.6 million) to CGF by March 31 for hosting the event. 

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.

"Our focus is on 2026," Commonwealth Games England chief executive Paul Blanchard told insidethegames. 

David Grevemberg, chief executive of the CGF, remains hopeful, though, a solution can be found in Durban and they will not have to take the Games away from them.

"This is a last resort," he said.

"Our first priority is to find a solution with South Africa."