The International Korfball Federation (IKF) said the state of emergency in the country, which has been extended until at least July 10, "makes it impossible to allow progress with tournament preparations".

Morocco, which has recorded more than 531,000 COVID-19 cases and at least 9,200 deaths from the novel coronavirus, had been due to host the first edition of the event from September 10 to 11.

"The main issue in Morocco at this time is that the country is still in a state of emergency, and it is not known when this will be released and borders will (fully) open up," the IKF said in a statement.

"It is also unclear if Morocco will allow flights from all continents and to what extent such tickets would be affordable for all subscribed teams. 

"Taken together, this brings too much risk for both the participants and the local organisers and therefore the difficult decision to postpone has been made."

The IKF added more information on the postponement would be provided later this year.

Korfball's worldwide governing body has also said its European Korfball Championship A-Division event in Belgium later this year will go ahead as planned.

The IKF said it is confident the Championship, set to run from October 25 to 30, can take place owing to the rate of vaccination in Belgium.

COVID-19 protocols for the tournament are due to be discussed with participants this month.