We regret to announce the cancellation of the 2025 World Deaf Football Club Championship, which was planned to take place in Istanbul, Turkey. This decision was made after careful review of the proposed venues and facilities. Unfortunately, the proposed venues did not meet the standards required by FIFA and our organization, particularly in key areas such as dressing rooms, referee facilities, and safety measures.
We recognize and deeply appreciate the tremendous effort made by the Istanbul Club to organize this event under tight timelines. Preparing for an international championship in just five months is no small task, and their hard work and dedication to the sport have been truly commendable. However, to ensure the safety and quality of the championship, it was necessary to adhere to the established standards.
We are very grateful to the Istanbul Club for their collaboration and perseverance, even under challenging conditions. Their enthusiasm for promoting deaf football is inspiring, and we look forward to working with them again in the future under better circumstances, with sufficient time and resources to meet all requirements.
Looking ahead, the World Deaf Football Club Championship will now be held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia. This decision provides a two-year preparation period, allowing us to plan thoroughly and deliver an event of the highest quality. We are committed to ensuring that this championship meets the expectations of all players, teams, and supporters.
We understand that this cancellation may cause disappointment and inconvenience for the participating clubs, athletes, and stakeholders who have been preparing for this event. We offer our sincere apologies and assure you that this decision was not made lightly. It reflects our commitment to prioritizing the safety, fairness, and success of every event we organize. Our focus remains on supporting and growing deaf football worldwide, and we will continue working hard to provide opportunities for athletes to showcase their incredible talent and dedication.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support as we move forward together toward a successful 2027 championship.
DIFA Team
