THE 2007 World Netball Championships will not be held in Fiji.

In a release on its website on Friday, the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA) said it has withdrawn the World Netball Championships from Fiji, due to take place in Suva July 10-21, 2007 following the December 5 military coup.

Jamaica's Molly Rhone, IFNA president, said: "It is deeply regretted that we have had to take this decision, recognising the hard work that has been done by the organising committee in preparing to host their first senior World Championships.

"We know that many supporters around the world were looking forward to this great sporting event in Fiji. IFNA will now be working assiduously to find a new venue to host the championships. We will keep everyone updated on our progress and any further decisions taken."

According to reports, Australia and New Zealand are the countries now favoured to host the championships.