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The 2016 British Open champion helped Europe to victory in three
of his five Ryder Cup appearances as a player, including the
last home tournament at Le Golf National in 2018.
Stenson, 46, was also vice-captain to Padraig Harrington at
Whistling Straits last year and had been tasked with regaining
the trophy following Europe's record 19-9 defeat to the United
States team in Wisconsin.
"In light of decisions made by Henrik in relation to his
personal circumstances, it has become clear he will not be able
to fulfil certain contractual obligations...," Ryder Cup Europe
said in a statement.
"... And it is therefore not possible for him to continue in the
role of captain.
"Confirmation of the new 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain will be
made in due course."
Stenson later confirmed on Twitter that he would play in the
third LIV Golf tournament of the season from July 29-31 in New
Jersey at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
"My interest in this concept has been well documented over the
past few years," Stenson said.
"And despite some of the unfortunate and ongoing tension between
LIV Golf, the DP World Tour & PGA Tours, the opportunity to play
in LIV events moving forward is something that I want to
experience.
"Like many of my fellow professionals, my hope is that my
decision to play in LIV events will not restrict me from playing
on any tour."
Stenson said he was stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy despite
making specific arrangements with LIV Golf, who he said had been
supportive of his role and willing to ensure that he could
fulfil his obligations.
"While I disagree with this decision... it's a decision I
accept," Stenson added.
"I have huge respect and admiration for the Ryder Cup and those
individuals behind it who I know are doing their utmost to act
in the best interests of the historic event."
LIV Golf later announced that world number 36 Jason Kokrak and
three-time PGA Tour winner Charles Howell III have also joined
the series and will make their debut in the New Jersey event.
The U.S. and European based Tours have banned and fined anyone
joining the LIV Series.
Six-times major winner Phil Mickelson, former world number ones
Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka as well as former U.S. Open
champion Bryson DeChambeau have all joined the LIV series.
Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf
held its first event in London last month which was won by South
Africa's Charl Schwartzel, who pocketed the $4 million prize --
the biggest pay cheque in golf history.
Critics of the new series say it amounts to 'sportswashing' by a
nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its history
of human rights abuses.
The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy hosts the
next edition of the biennial Ryder Cup starting in late
September next year.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, additional
reporting by Manasi PathakEditing by Christian Radnedge and Toby
Davis)
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