Sports event organisation SportAccord has cancelled its 2025 Convention, which was due to take place in Istanbul 9-12 June. The decision followed a review by the SportAccord Executive Committee.
“In light of the evolving political context and unresolved issues at the host city level,” SportAccord stated, the Convention cannot proceed.
Preparations had been progressing steadily. International federations, partners and delegates had shown strong support. A full conference programme and venue were already confirmed.
However, on 19 March Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was removed from office on corruption charges. Nuri Aslan was appointed as Acting Mayor. In the days that followed, massive protests swept across Istanbul in which 1,100 people were arrested.
SportAccord reported that due to this disruption, “several key conditions for hosting the event could no longer be met”. The safety of international federations, partners, delegates, exhibitors and staff “remains SportAccord’s top priority”.
Planning for the 2026 edition is underway. SportAccord is also continuing preparations for the 2025 IF Forum.
The SportAccord Convention brings together over 1,700 leaders and decision-makers from more than 120 international federations, the IOC, global sports organisations, host cities and business leaders. The company is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
