The City of Duisburg informed the President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), Ron Froehlich, the President of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, Thomas Bach, and the Mayor of Düsseldorf, Mr. Dirk Elbers, of the Council’s vote.

 Düsseldorf Mayor Elbers said: “After Duisburg’s withdrawal, Düsseldorf is forced to drop out as well."

 The two cities had been awarded the 11-day event, which is made up of 32 sports not currently on the Olympic programme, including bowling and netball, in February 2008.

 Froehlich expressed his disappointment over the sudden reversal of the cities’ decision to stage the games in the Rhine-Ruhr area.

 He said: “That the global financial crisis would not spare sports and major events had to be expected.

 "Nonetheless, the World Games remain a viable proposition for a host city due to their very nature.

 "New infrastructure is never required to stage the competitions in our sports; cost-effectiveness remains the guiding principle for the whole event.”

Together with TSE Consulting, the international sports consultancy appointed by IWGA to assist in the tendering for future editions of the World Games, Froehlich is now searching for a replacement city to host the event.

The 2009 event is due to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.