TRUTH BEHIND THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE WORLD CALISTHENICS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

April 8, 2026

Dear athletes, members, and community,

World Street Workout and Calisthenics Federation would like to express the truth behind the postponement of the World Calisthenics Championship 2026.

Official hosts of the competition were appointed ASD E-agle Association (@parcofitnessitalia) and Fe.Na.L.C. – Federazione Nazionale Liberi Circoli.

Their responsibility was to organize the competition, secure the financing, local operations and wellbeing of athletes. WSWCF licensed rights to host the competition.

However, already in February it was clear that both host organizations do not have any understanding on organization, local operations, wellbeing, accommodation or logistics. They could not provide any proof or plannings of the competition according to the technical requirements, including visas for athletes coming from third countries. For this, our President Rolands Kikors and Vice-President Bahador Razaghi personally travelled to Rome to meet with EAGLE and FENALC. However, only during the day of our travel they informed us that EAGLE President Mr. Raffaele Noce could not be present. There were no round table discussions regarding all the technical requirements provided by the WSWCF long time ago in 2025. Mr. Razaghi stayed in Rome from 25th February until 3rd of March and many times requested on-site meeting with all persons involved from EAGLE and FENALC. However, both these organisations rejected proposal and avoided any meetings without any explanations. During our 1st visit day on 25th February we only went to the championship arena, athlete’s village and were forced to discuss several sensitive topics only for about 30 minutes, when representatives of both organizations left. This was the first sign of the utmost unprofessionalism of both organizers.

It was initially agreed that EAGLE and FENALC will provide several accommodation packages in various options and price ranges. However, only in March 2026 they provided information about pricing and number of packages. They tried to enforce only 1 (one) single package for all athletes, delegates and accompanying persons. This was completely unfair towards those, who do not have sufficient financing to pay for such package.

We immediately informed our members. After negative information from our members, we immediately requested EAGLE and FENALC to provide several packages in order to be in line with the actual prices of accommodation in Rome. As well as we requested that members, who do not want to purchase this package, shall be exempt from it and can buy their own accommodations in Rome. However, in exchange, EAGLE and FENALC informed us that the World Championship won’t happen without purchase of this 1 (one) single package.

Moreover, we found out that the price established by EAGLE and FENALC was 78% higher than the original cost of such package. This meant for our athletes that they would pay a markup (increase) of 78%. We could not let our athletes to pay this much.

Afterwards, EAGLE and FENALC stated that WSWCF has to pay amount of 68’000 (sixty-eight thousand euros) to EAGLE and FENALC in order for the competition to be hosted, with the first payment to be done at signing a new contract. This was once again done only 3 months before the competition.

EAGLE and FENALC clearly were informed that we can provide them number of athletes only after end of registration. However, they asked us to provide number of actual athletes already before registration was initiated. This is impossible in the sport of calisthenics.

Only in the beginning of March EAGLE and FENALC stated to us that they have absolutely no financing for the competition. However, in the signed agreement between WSWCF, EAGLE and FENALC, they had the obligation to cover the costs of the competition. Until March 2026 they did not inform us that the only profit for the competition can be the illegal profit that they will get if athletes purchase the accommodation package. Meaning, they did not have any other financing, contrary to their obligations.

We could not let that happen and pulled the plug immediately.

We also did not want to publish any negative information related with EAGLE and FENALC, however, taking into consideration their involvement in supporting another international “ALL NATIONS” event just 1,5 weeks after postponement of the WSWCF Calisthenics World Championship, we cannot be quite for any longer.

The World Championship has NOT been cancelled at all. It has been officially postponed due to the failure of the Local Organizing Committee (EAGLE and FENALC) in Italy to fulfil essential organizational and contractual obligations.

We understand that this situation has caused confusion, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and trust of our global community.

At present:

The official WSWCF World Championship is being rescheduled and we are now working every day for the championship to take place in Riga, Latvia in August 2026. We also understand that the competition must be sufficient for athletes, their wellbeing and trust. Therefore, we are currently working with sponsors, government, municipality and other financing options.
All official rankings, titles, and qualifications will be recognized only through WSWCF-sanctioned events
Any independent competitions held under similar narratives are not affiliated with WSWCF and do not carry official status

We also want to address athlete concerns regarding travel and accommodation expenses that were already made:

WSWCF is actively reviewing all cases and working on appropriate solutions. We have already previously established a deadline for provision of such information and documents to us until April 4. Many athletes and organisations have done that. Further instructions and procedures will be communicated shortly. We kindly ask for your patience, your situation is being taken seriously and handled with priority.

On 15th of April WSWCF has called for extraordinary meeting of all associated members, whereas we will discuss all above matters and further outlook for 2026 and 2027.

We would like to clarify recent information circulating regarding a competition scheduled in Rome on June 13-14, 2026.

The event currently being promoted in Rome is NOT an official World Championship event and is NOT sanctioned by The World Street Workout and Calisthenics Federation.

We strongly advise athletes and national members to carefully verify the legitimacy of events before participation. At the same time, we do not want to prohibit or anyhow create obstacles for anyone participating in competitions.

WSWCF remains fully committed to:

Protecting athletes and member organizations
Ensuring fairness and transparency
Delivering a professional and officially recognized World Championship

Further updates regarding Riga 2026 will follow soon.

Thank you for your continued support and loyalty.

_____________

World Street Workout and Calisthenics Federation