It leaves Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth in the race.

Cape Town, the second most populous city in South Africa, would have presented a strong case following its successful hosting of nine matches during the World Cup, including the semi-final when the Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 there.

But City of Cape Town spokesperson Pieter Cronje said that although Cape Town was now regarded as a leading international sports destination, it simply costs too much to host the event.

"Preparations for the event will require a huge investment in public transport and other infrastructure and we do not think that now is the appropriate time," he said.

South Africa had previously bid for the 2004 Olympics.

They reached the third round of voting in 1997 before being eliminated in a contest won by Athens. 

Yesterday South Africa's Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula had urged the country to pick a candidate to back.

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