MINSK, 20 May (BelTA) – The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced the postponement of its Annual Congress from 10 to 24 June, BelTA learned from TASS.
The measure was recommended during a video conference call on 19 May. The congress will take place in Zurich in a virtual format.
The IIHF Semi-Annual Congress, which was to take place in St. Petersburg September, has been moved as well. The Semi-Annual Congress this year was meant to exceptional as the IIHF's MNAs were to choose a new president and Council. Due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation, the IIHF Council proposed a one-year extension to its existing mandate, with new elections to take place during the 2021 IIHF Semi-Annual Congress. The date for the congress will be announced alter. The IIHF will also look into the possibility of holding the Semi-Annual Congress in a virtual format.
With the ongoing effects of COVID-19 already having an impact on the preparations for the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, the IIHF Council will submit a proposal to delay the start of the tournament by two weeks. The 2021 IIHF World Championship in Belarus and Latvia was initially scheduled to take place on 7-23 May 2021. Now the tournament may be held from 21 May to 6 June.
A new proposal for a three-stage Women's Olympic Qualification and the 2021 IIHF Continental Cup will also be voted on during the Congress.