Birmingham confirmed as hosts of 2022 Commonwealth Games

Although Birmingham was the sole candidate, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had initially expressed concerns and said its bid was “not fully compliant”.

The CGF invited other cities to bid before November 30, but no other candidate stepped forward while Birmingham quelled those earlier reservations.

It brings an end to a turbulent awarding process, with South African city Durban originally awarded the Games in 2015 before being stripped in March due to financial difficulties.

Birmingham beat off competition from Liverpool to be the UK’s candidate and will now stage the £750 million event in 2022.

Bid organisers have said that 95 per cent of the competition venues are already in place with Alexander Stadium, an established athletics venue, set for an increase in capacity and facilities upgrade.

The only new venue proposed in Birmingham's bid, is the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, which will host Swimming, Para Swimming and Diving.

The city centre Victoria Square will also be used for 3x3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball.