The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have suffered a significant blow with the departure of Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg.
The American will leave the role after six years on March 5, just 16 months before the Games launch in Birmingham.
It is understood he has prominent admirers within the Los Angeles Olympics organising committee, who are planning for the 2028 Olympics.
A replacement for Grevemberg is expected to be announced inside the next three months.
Grevemberg said: ‘The upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are tracking positively and I am confident will be another milestone event for the movement.
‘After much reflection, I feel that now is the right moment to pass the baton. This will give a successor time to support and experience next year’s Games in Birmingham and plan and oversee the next significant phase of the Federation’s history.’
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Grevemberg’s departure is another setback for the £800m Games, which has already had to scrap plans for an athletes’ village due to Covid delays.
There have also been over the building of the £73m aquatics centre at Sandwell and prominent changes to the organising committee.