The European Tour's 2012 Volvo Golf Champions tournament in Bahrain has been cancelled due to political unrest in the Middle East.

Paul Casey won the event in January when it was staged for the first time.

However, demonstrations in the country after the inaugural tournament led to a number of deaths and the golf authorities have decided that there will be no European Tour golf in Bahrain next year.

"In making the decision Volvo and [tournament organisers] International Management Group recognised the efforts being made by the government of Bahrain to return long-term stability to Bahrain following events earlier this year," a statement read.

"However, with work still ongoing to resolve issues in Bahrain and the need to confirm the venue by the end of July 2011, the difficult decision to postpone the event for 2012 was taken."

The news comes as a further blow to sport in Bahrain after the country's Formula One Grand Prix was cancelled earlier this season.