The 2009 America's Cup in Valencia has been postponed because of a legal dispute between holders Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing, organisers said yesterday.

BMW Oracle have taken Alinghi to court in New York arguing that the Swiss defender chose an illegitimate yacht club to help set the rules for the next Cup, which the San Francisco-based team say are unfairly weighted in Alinghi's favour.

Cup organisers said the ongoing uncertainty had left them no choice "but to delay the event".

"During the past months, AC Management (ACM), the Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG) and the Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV), in conjunction with the competing Challengers, have worked hand in hand to develop the rules and regulations for an event in 2009," America's Cup Management (ACM) said in a statement.

"These rules and regulations were agreed by all competitors and supported by the most recent entrants bringing the number of registered syndicates to eight, with an additional two currently filing entry documents."

Last week, Alinghi rejected the latest proposal from BMW Oracle which included changes to the umpiring of the regatta. The plan was backed by three other challengers.

The total number of challengers rose to eight on Tuesday when Italy's Mascalzone Latino and newly-founded Spanish team Ayre were accepted into the event.

December 15 deadline

They joined Spain's Desafio Espanol, Team New Zealand, United Internet Team Germany, South Africa's Team Shosholoza and Britain's TeamOrigin.

"The competitors' entry deadline of 15 December remains valid and for now, ACM, SNG and CNEV await the outcome of the legal process," the statement added.

"If the New York Supreme Court rules that CNEV is valid and BMW Oracle chooses not to appeal the decision, ACM will endeavour to work with the competitors to adapt the existing rules and regulations and put in place a new framework for an event to take place at a later stage in Valencia.

"Should the US Courts rule against CNEV, SNG will accept the Golden Gate Yacht Club Deed of Gift Challenge and meet them in a vessel, possibly a multi-hull, in accordance with the terms of the Deed of Gift."

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