The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) governing body is aiming to announce a host for the troubled 2026 Commonwealth Games multi-sport event in May.

In a statement following a recent meeting of its executive, the CGF said: “Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the games.

“We are working collaboratively with the relevant [members] to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games host in May.”

The body added that it had received “multiple proposals” around hosting the games.

The Australian state of Victoria was initially intended to be the event host, but then pulled out last July after new estimates suggested the cost had ballooned to AU$7 billion rather than the AU$2.7 billion originally projected.

At that point, Victorian state premier Daniel Andrews said: “Frankly, six to seven billion for a 12-day sporting event. We are not doing that. That does not represent value for money. That is all cost and no benefit.

“I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to fund an event that is three times the cost [which] is estimated and budgeted for last year.”

Australia’s Gold Coast was then touted as a potential replacement, but was unable to secure funding, before Malaysia - to which the CGF reportedly offered significant financial assistance if that nation would stage the event - also decided not to take up the opportunity.