Pistorius pulled out of future events

Oscar Pistorius' management company have issued a statement announcing they have "no option" but to cancel all future races he had been contracted to compete in.

The 26-year-old is preparing to mount a vigorous defence against his murder charge following the death of model Reeva Steenkamp.

Peet Van Zyl, from Pistorius' management company, issued a statement on Sunday night saying "we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in".

The statement read: "Following my visit to Oscar Pistorius this afternoon at the Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria I would like to issue this short statement.

"The nature of my visit today was two-fold. On a personal level I wanted to offer my support to Oscar, who I have known and worked with for the last seven years and consider a friend and a great professional athlete.

"Secondly, I wanted to briefly discuss racing matters given that his key focus is defending himself against this serious charge.

"I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in, to allow Oscar to concentrate on the upcoming legal proceedings and to help and support all those involved as they try to come to terms with this very difficult and distressing situation."

Pistorius was contracted to compete in the Manchester City Games on May 25, following Qantas Tour races in Australia on March 9 and 16, as well as meetings in Rio de Janeiro (March 31) and Iowa (April 26).

The statement continued: "Further competitions were being discussed as Oscar focused on the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in August as the highlight for his season.

"Regarding sponsors and partners, I can confirm that at this point in time, all parties are supportive and their contractual commitments are maintained. They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position."