The key meeting of the 72 competing countries and territories was supposed to be held in person but has been moved online due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly 200,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in Britain yesterday as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

The virtual seminar will be held between January 24 and 27 with in-person events now hoped for later in the year.

"Although it would have been great to welcome some of the Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to Birmingham later this month, after careful consideration of a range of factors, the Birmingham 2022 Chefs de Mission Seminar which is taking place from the 24 to 27 January will now be held virtually," a Commonwealth Games Federation spokesman said to insidethegames.

"Virtual meetings with the CGAs are already held every month and these have proven to be a great way of keeping everyone up to speed on the progress the Organising Committee has been making on delivering a fantastic edition of the Games.

"There are also plans for CGAs to visit Birmingham later in the year, prior to the Games, for venue and Village familiarisation visits and to support final preparations for their teams. 

"The dates of the in-person visits will be confirmed shortly."

Birmingham 2022 is scheduled to take place between July 28 and August 8.