FISU cancels events until August 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic

In keeping with the measures being taken around the world to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, FISU announces the cancellation of its events until August 2020.  

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Following many constructive discussions held with various Organising Committees of the 2020 FISU World University Championships, the Executive Committee of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has decided to cancel the following events, due to the unprecedented situation caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

• American Football from 4 to 14 June in Székesfehérvá;r (HUN)

• Cycling from 10 to 14 June in Nijmegen (NED)

• Handball from 15 to 21 June in Lodz (POL)

• Golf from 17 to 20 June in Taichung (TPE)

• Beach Volleyball from 23 to 27 June in Torremolinos (ESP)

• Floorball from 24 to 28 June in Koper (SLO)

• Triathlon from 27 to 28 June in Kecskemet (HUN)

• Sailing from 30 June to 4 July in Campione del Garda (ITA)

• Wushu from 11 to 14 July in Liaoyang (CHN)

• Orienteering from 14 to 18 July in Smolensk (RUS)

• Futsal from 19 to 26 July in Poznan (POL)

• Squash from 17 to 23 July in Shanghai (CHN)

• Muaythai from 17 to 23 August in Nur-Sultan (KAZ)

“Cancelling these events has not been an easy decision, but we truly believe it is the wisest choice in these circumstances,” wrote FISU Secretary General-CEO Eric Saintrond in a letter to all member federations. “FISU will reimburse the team deposits to the respective National University Sports Federations. We deeply regret that the COVID-19 pandemic has left us with no other choice.”

“We have been closely monitoring the situation and have tried to react in the best possible way,” Saintrond continued. “During this challenging period, it is our duty to make cautious decisions in order to ensure the safety of all those involved in FISU events.”

This decision also means the postponement of the FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy (FVLA) in Kazan, Russian Federation. The event, originally scheduled for 10-16 June 2020, has been moved to September. The exact dates for the fourth edition will be announced later.

“The safety of all our athletes, officials, staff and public at large is of utmost priority. All of us at FISU are united in expressing our concern for all those affected by the pandemic,” said FISU President Oleg Matytsin. “Our decision-making will continue with participant and public health as our top priorities.” “Difficult decisions around the world have been made to postpone or cancel all gatherings, including major sports, educational and cultural events. It is the right decision.

“We extend our sympathies to the athletes that had been expecting to participate,” President Matytsin continued. “We are grateful to the local organising committees for the work done thus far and for their support in managing this unprecedented situation.”

FISU’s World University Championship Department will work on the possibility of rescheduling some of the above events to the same period in 2021. However, the possibility of doing so will also depend on the International Federation calendar and the now postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

FISU continues to monitor the situation daily and will keep all stakeholders informed of decisions and developments. For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].