Despite not meeting the minimum event requirements, Rory McIlroy has been allowed to remain in the European Tour Race to Dubai rankings and has earned an automatic place in the Finals Series.

McIlroy leads the rankings having won the Race to Dubai title in 2014, but has only played nine European Tour tournaments this year, with 13 the required number.

As a result of other commitments and his rehabilitation from ankle ligament damage that forced him to miss The Scottish Open, The Open and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, the world number one will not be able to meet that target.

McIlroy suffered the blow to his ankle playing football with friends in July. He did play at the US PGA Championship earlier this month, but was only able to finish 17th with a score of nine under.

However, due to the "exceptional circumstances" surrounding the injury, the 26-year-old has been granted a reprieve.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: "I have spent the last two weeks examining every angle and every possible solution and I have spoken with Rory and his team, as well as independent medical advisers and some prominent players.

"After reviewing and discussing all the medical reports and recommendations from orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Adair, physiotherapist Dr Steve McGregor and our Chief of Medical staff Dr Roger Hawkes – while at the same time recognising that Rory is a world golfer with global commitments – I am convinced that he could not commit to any further tournament participation without risking further injury and persistent weakness to the ankle in the future.

"Therefore, after lengthy discussions, I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12 European Tour events this year."