Liverpool defeated in 2022 Commonwealth Games bid

Liverpool has lost its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Despite receiving a boost last month when it was named the UK’s top sports destination by ESPN, the city lost out to rival bidder Birmingham.

Commonwealth Federation judges made their decision after visiting both cities in August.

According to BBC News, the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is likely to be Birmingham’s main rival bid to host the Games.

In response to the loss, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson took to Twitter to thank his colleagues and congratulate Birmingham on the win:

Brendan Foster, the former Commonwealth gold medallist and founder of the Great North Run, who supported Birmingham’s bid, commented: “It’s the right time, in the right place, in a city that has all the facilities in place.

“I’m convinced that Birmingham can take the next step and be awarded the Games. And when they are, they’ll have the opportunity to host the best ever Commonwealth Games.”

Analysis

It’s a shame that Liverpool wasn’t chosen to represent the UK in the Games.

It seems a lot of people here (myself included) were confident of securing a victory, given the city’s proud association with sports and all the positive steps taken by the Commonwealth team mobilised to drive the bid.

A win would have led to investment in some fantastic sporting facilities around the city, not to mention the creation of more than 12k jobs and a significant economic boost for the region.

Nevertheless, we must be gracious in defeat and follow Joe Anderson in congratulating Birmingham on the win. Great news for a truly great city!

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