The Pacific Games Council has called for expressions of interest from other Pacific Games Association who may wish to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

This follows the Tonga Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee formally advising the PGC, that the withdrawal of the Tongan government’s support renders that they will be unable to host the Games.

Council President Vidya Lakhan says the twenty-two Games Association who have shown interest will have to place their bid until the end of this month.

“We will quickly review all the expressions of interest and the Chief Executive of the Council and myself will visit those countries and talk to their leaders and get a feel a bit of their ability or readiness to host the games in two years’ time."

The Pacific Games Council will be able to recommend an alternative host by the end of August.