Due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the IIHF Council has agreed today to cancel the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship, following a recommendation by public health experts.



Subject to formal approval by the IIHF Congress, the 2020 hosts cities Halifax and Truro will instead host the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship.



The decision was made following an extra-ordinary meeting by the IIHF Council on 7 March. With the cancellation of the 2020 Women’s World Championship, the IIHF Council has also decided to cancel the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division I Group A, scheduled to take place on 12-18 April 2020 in Angers, France.



“It is with great regret that we must take this action,” said IIHF President René Fasel. “It was not an easy decision to make, as we were greatly looking forward to hosting this tournament in Canada. Nevertheless, the decision has been made due to safety concerns for the well-being of players, officials, and spectators.”



“Ultimately the IIHF Council feels that there has not been enough of an improvement to the coronavirus situation to allow us to safely host a 10-team international tournament within this timeframe. We look forward to coming to Canada in 2021.”



“This decision will have an effect on the scheduling of the Women’s Olympic qualification tournaments,” added Fasel. “The IIHF Competition and Coordination Committee will review the implications of this cancellation and propose recommendations to the Council.”



The IIHF Council will reconvene in Mid-March and re-evaluate the coronavirus situation and the capability of tournament organizers to host the World Championship events in April.



The decision to cancel the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Championship does not influence the planning of the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, which remains on schedule.