The 2009 America's Cup was postponed on Thursday because of a protracted legal dispute.

Organisers said that the 33rd edition of the sailing classic will be staged at a later date because of Golden Gate Yacht Club's dispute with two-time defending champion Alinghi's Societe Nautique de Geneve over the rules for the next race.

"The ongoing uncertainty around the conclusion of the New York court case brought by BMW Oracle Racing leaves the organisers no choice but to delay the event, as many indicators demonstrate a lack of viability to stage the event in 2009 to the same standards as the 32nd America's Cup," America's Cup Management said in a statement.

Golden Gate Yacht Club, the home of BMW Oracle Racing, contends that Desafio Espanol's status of official challenger - which allowed it to negotiate the disputed format of the next America's Cup - is illegal.

The Americans want the right to replace the Spanish syndicate and draw up new rules for the next regatta with Alinghi.

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