London: Liverpool on Wednesday officially launched its bid to host the Commonwealth Games, one of the world's biggest sporting events. Mayor Joe Anderson wants to bring the multi-sport event to the northern England port city in 2026.
But he said Liverpool could host the games four years earlier in 2022 following the decision by announced host city Durban to withdraw, reports Xinhua news agency.
Local media is reporting that a proposed riverfront stadium for English premiership club Everton, could double as a main arena for the Commonwealth Games.
Mayor Anderson has already paved the way for Everton FC to move from its historic home at Goodison Park.
The mayor's office announced on Wednesday that its bid would be chaired by Liverpool born sports executive Brian Barwick, the 62 years old chair of the Rugby Football League (RFL), Super League Europe Ltd, the National League and a member of the FA Council.
Barwick is former head of BBC Sport, controller of ITV Sport and Chief Executive of the Football Association.