Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers to 'monitor' social distancing situation

Organisers of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games have said they will be "monitoring the situation" around social distancing as part of their preparations for the event.

The Games are still two years away but there has been no confirmation about when supporters will be able to attend football matches and other sporting events.

Ian Reid, chief executive of the Birmingham Games, stressed organisers have time on their side but added the situation around sporting events would be closely monitored.

The Commonwealth Games is worth hundreds of millions of pounds to the region and will see people arrive in the West Midlands from all over the world. Key transport upgrades and other major developments are also geared around the Games.

The 2020 Olympics and the Euro 2020 football tournament have both been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League looks likely to return next month, but games will be played behind closed doors. It is unclear when spectators will be allowed to attend matches again, including at Molineux, The Hawthorns and Villa Park.

It is hoped things will have returned to normal by summer 2022 but the current situation is something that will have to be considered by planners.

Mr Reid said: “The start of the Games is still more than two years away, as it will be held in the summer of 2022.

"As with any major international event like the Commonwealth Games, ensuring the health and safety of all attendees is of critical importance.

"We’ll continue to work closely with all of our partners, will be following official government guidance, and we will be monitoring the situation over the next 26 months. We will ensure that attending the Games is a safe, enjoyable experience for athletes and fans alike.”

Some of the world's greatest sports starts will arrive in the region for the 2022 Games, which was secured after years of work by officials.

Events will also be held in the Black Country and Staffordshire, including swimming and diving at the new aquatics centre in Smethwick and mountain biking on Cannock Chase.