Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Sport in South Africa, dealt a blow to South Africa's bid to host World Cup 2023 on Monday as he announced that a number of sporting institutions would not be allowed to host international tournaments.
Mbalula stated that the South African Rugby Union, as well as the bodies that represent cricket, athletics and netball, were all having their right to host international tournaments revoked for failing to meet their transformation targets.
We have revoked ASA, CSA, Netball & SARU's right to host international tournaments; for failing to meet agreed transformation targets
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) 25 April 2016
The targets were set to encourage the sporting bodies to create more opportunities for black players, but the only body that met the objectives was South Africa's football association.
I've resolved not to revoke punitive measures that may paralyze our federations financially and deny athletes to ability to compete.
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) 25 April 2016
According to the BBC, representatives from the cricket and rugby unions will engage in "closed-door meetings with sports ministry officials after the announcement".
Mbalula added that the ban would be in place for a year, and would be reviewed on the basis of the results of the transformation efforts next year.
This decision will be reviewed when considering the results of the 2016/2017 Transformation Barometer. #EPGreport
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) 25 April 2016
Along with Ireland and South Africa, Italy and France had both met the deadline for expressing interest in hosting the tournament in 2023.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.