"The whole world of squash will be bitterly disappointed by this news," said Susie Simcock, the president of the World Squash Federation (WSF). "The WSF has mounted an intensive programme to be part of the Olympic Programme for over 14 years and this announcement means we cannot achieve our aim until at least 2012.
"It is particularly sad that we have just successfully shown squash in such a prominent showcase as the Commonwealth Games and we know that the athletes who participated in Manchester will be the most disappointed at this decision.
"However, I must give thanks to Dr Rogge [Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC] and his IOC team for the manner in which this review has been carried out. In the past, we have received no indication of the likely outcome. This early announcement by the IOC, whilst very bad news, now allows us to focus all of our energies on the development and promotion of our sport worldwide and we thank Dr Rogge for the professional review he has instigated and for the courtesy shown to us on all occasions."
Baseball and softball are also rumoured to be given the axe by the IOC while golf and rugby are expected to be included as new Olympic sports.
