Madonna has had her application to adopt a Malawian girl turned down.

The singer, who has already adopted David Banda from the country, was due in court today today to hear whether she could adopt four-year-old Chifundo (Mercy) James.

Madonna has been turned down over residency rules, with judge Esmie Chondo stating: "I must have to decline to grant the application to Madonna."

The Associated Press reports that the law in the country states adoptive parents must be resident in the country for 18 to 24 months.

A judge and a lawyer unconnected to the case are thought to have leaked the decision to the press.

(by Scott Colothan)