Pop superstar Madonna's plans to complete the adoption process for baby David Banda have suffered a setback - because Malawian child welfare authorities can't afford the flight to the UK.

Pop superstar Madonna's plans to complete the adoption process for baby David Banda have suffered a setback - because Malawian child welfare authorities can't afford the flight to the UK.

A welfare officer from the 23-month-old's native country was expected to travel to London in May. The trip was to determine whether Banda can be officially adopted by the music hitmaker and her husband, Guy Ritchie, who brought him back to Britain from a Malawian orphanage last October.

But Penston Kilembe, the director of Malawi's child welfare services, admitted that the authorities faced financial difficulties which have forced them to postpone the visit.

"We have been unable to travel because of logistical problems. You know it requires resources for me to travel," he said.

However, Kilembe hinted that the Hollywood couple have met all the adoption requirements. He said: "What we expect to see from the visit is that all the child's basic necessities must be provided for."

Kilembe hopes to visit Britain at the end of this month. - Wenn