Powell's manager Paul Doyle said the decision was made by the Jamaican's coach, Stephen Francis.

"We made it long ago," Doyle said. "He has had a long season and is tired and we want to make sure that he is going to be ready for a long 2007 season."

But Powell, who has run 12 races in less than 10 seconds this season, will compete in the relay at the event.

"He still wants to run the relay - he wants to represent the region," Doyle said, speaking to the AFP news agency.