The International Petanque Federation has deferred the world championship due to be held in Tahiti next month because of the ebola outbreak in Africa.
The move was confirmed in Tahiti after the government asked the organisation to put the event off until next year.
The president Gaston Flosse said it was the government's responsibility to protect the people against a possible spread of the deadly disease.
He said he didn't want to take any risks.
No new date has been set.
Several competitors from Africa have been expected to attend.
French Polynesia, Papeete waterfront Photo: RNZ
