16/12/2025
Dear Freestyle community, I would just like to clarify the situation following our announcement of the dates of next year’s World Cups.
First, I would like to clarify what appears to be a misunderstanding of how the bidding process works.
Neither the ICF nor the Technical Committee get to choose the dates, or the location, or the classes in our events. We get to accept or reject the bids proposed by the organisers’ National Federation.
The organisers pay for the event, they tell us when they can run it, and what classes are suitable for their venue. We can reject their proposal and walk away. But we have limited leverage, especially in World Cups.
I assume, although I cannot be sure, that if Sort had bid, we would have had at least one Sq**rt competition. However, they chose not to bid.
Both Millau and Krakow have stated that their venues are unsuitable for Sq**rt.
If we had rejected the bids from Krakow and Millau, we would not have any ICF events in 2026. It would seem unfair to penalise the whole discipline because the organisers do not have a suitable venue for one class. So we chose what seemed to us to be the lesser of two evils, as the ideal scenario is not on the table.
We have not got a queue of organisers, all wanting to organise Freestyle events. We have to take what we can get.
I understand your frustration, we too are disappointed that we could not present our community with an ideal scenario.
Maybe some of those who have expressed their concerns should lobby their National Federations to put forward a bid that includes all classes and can be run on a date that suits everyone.
I am seeking your support and understanding in this matter.
Terry
