FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 February 2020 – 15:00 CET
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord has confirmed that the SportAccord World Sport & Business
Summit 2020 will not take place in Beijing due to the Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China.
Raffaele Chiulli, President SportAccord, said: "In the past few weeks, we have been following the
development of the epidemic closely. The Chinese Government has taken effective efforts,
unprecedented measures and all possible resources to combat the epidemic. We do believe that the
Chinese Government and people in China have the capabilities to have the final win of the war against
the virus."
"SportAccord has developed a mutual and respectful working relationship with the Local Organizing
Committee, which has displayed outstanding professionalism at all times during the excellent
preparations for SportAccord 2020 in Beijing. We had no doubt that our hosts would deliver an
exceptional SportAccord and we are grateful to Beijing for the support and all the efforts it has made for
preparing SportAccord 2020."
"SportAccord 2020 brings nearly 2,000 delegates together worldwide. In addition to that, a significant
number of participating countries, organizations, companies and institutions to put on exhibitions
during the event. Considering the epidemic in China and around the world and taking into account the
various factors of such force majeure situation and through consultation with the SportAccord 2020
Local Organizing Committee, we have reached a difficult decision that SportAccord 2020 will not take
place in Beijing. We will continue to collaborate with Beijing and China to promote the healthy
development of the international sport community. We apologize for any inconvenience thus caused
for International Sports Federations, registered partners, exhibitors and delegates concerned."
SportAccord is now exploring contingency options for relocating the World Sport & Business Summit
2020 so that it can still take place from 19-24 April 2020.
Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: "The Local Organizing Committee for SportAccord 2020
in Beijing has been a trusted partner during preparations for the event and has shown excellence
throughout the entire planning process."
Partners, exhibitors and delegates who had registered to attend the event in Beijing will be contacted
shortly with updates and further information regarding the next steps for SportAccord 2020.
Follow developments and updates via Twitter @sportaccord or keep up to date via LinkedIn and
Facebook. For media enquiries, email info@sportaccord.sport.
ENDS
SportAccord
SportAccord brings together international sports federations and organisations involved in the business
of sport. The annual World Sport & Business Summit is a six-day event attended by leaders of the global
sports community. It engages international sports federations, athletes, industry, rights holders,
organising committees, cities, government, agencies, media, technology, legal teams, medical
professionals, inventors, and subject matter experts – represented at the highest levels.
SportAccord is the only global sports business event attended by all the international sports federations
and their stakeholders, who host their Annual General Assemblies during SportAccord. These
stakeholders include: ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF
(Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised
International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), GAISF
(Global Association of International Sports Federations) and Associate Members. SportAccord receives
the full support of the International Olympic Committee.
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