World Rowing statement on the situation of the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

World Rowing has been made aware of a letter, that has been made public, issued by the Brazilian Rowing Confederation (CBR) regarding their unilateral intention to cancel the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Rio de Janeiro.

World Rowing is surprised about this communication, and would like to clarify that this unilateral announcement was made without any consultation or prior agreement of World Rowing and, as World Rowing understands, of other relevant stakeholders, including the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the City of Rio de Janeiro and the Federal Government of Brazil. As such, it does not reflect the current position of World Rowing.

As per the standard Event Hosting Agreement between World Rowing and its event Organisers (which can be a City and/or a Member Federation), no party is able to cancel a World Rowing event unilaterally for the reasons outlined in the letter from the Brazilian Rowing Confederation. The announcement, made by the newly elected Brazilian Rowing Confederation leadership, would therefore be non compliant with their obligations arising of the hosting contract between the Brazilian Rowing Confederation and World Rowing.

At this stage, and after a recent site visit in Rio de Janeiro where the different stakeholders reaffirmed their unambiguous commitment to host this event, World Rowing considers the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals to take place as planned. We remain committed to continuing discussions with all involved parties to determine the best way forward and to ensure the success of this important event on the road to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

We will keep the Rowing community and all relevant stakeholders informed as further information becomes available.