The Georgian Handball Federation informed the IHF last month that "the current geographical situation created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine" led to uncertainty and put players, staff and officials at risk.

The war in Ukraine has led to Russia and its ally Belarus being largely frozen out of international sport.

The IHF was the last of the 40 Olympic International Federations to make an announcement on its response to what Moscow describes as a "special military operation", but has banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from its events.

According to the United Nations, at least 2,435 civilians have been killed since Russia launched its attack on February 24, although it is feared the true figure is far higher, and more than 5.1 million people have fled Ukraine.

Hosting rights for the IHF Women's Youth World Championship have now been awarded to the Macedonian Handball Federation by the IHF Council, with matches to be played in North Macedonia's capital Skopje.

The country previously held the tournament in 2014.

The Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre, Jane Sandanski Arena and the small arena at the Jane Sandanski Sport Centre are due to host matches at the Championship.

Georgia was originally the sole candidate when it was awarded hosting rights at an IHF Council meeting in Cairo on February 28, but has now lost its automatic qualifying berth at the tournament.

With North Macedonia having booked their place at the Women's Under-18 Championship via the European Handball Federation Women's Under-17 European Championship, Slovenia have been awarded the vacant place as the next highest ranked team in Europe.

The IHF Women's Youth World Championship was last held in 2018 in Poland, with the 2020 edition in Croatia cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.