The South African government has banned four of its major sporting organisations from bidding for or hosting international tournaments for at least the next 12 months.
The decision was announced by South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula who said the failure by four of the countries five major sporting bodies to create enough opportunities for black players was the reason for the decision being taken.
The ruling directly effects the bodies controlling athletics, cricket, netball and rugby.
The decision, which will have a major impact on South Africas bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup, is expected to be reviewed in 12 months.
Participation by black players in junior sports has increased but there is growing frustration in the government that that the trend has not been mirrored in the four senior national teams.
Mbalula said that the national soccer federation was the only one of the five sporting bodies to meet the participation targets.
