Major sporting events and competitions in Slovenia cancelled

The organisers of the Vitranc Cup in Kranjska Gora said the event was cancelled based on recommendations from the International Ski Federation (FIS) and in consultations with the National Public Health Institute.

They added that three persons participating in the Alpine Ski World Cup caravan had COVID-19 symptoms, including one who tested positive for the coronavirus. All thee persons have been quarantined.

The decision effectively ends the Alpine Ski World Cup for men, as the Cortina d'Ampezzo event in Italy, which is the last event on the schedule, had been cancelled beforehand.

Srečko Medven of the organising committee that "in a bid to protect Slovenia from potential new entry of the virus from the registered teams...we were forced to cancelled the event. Health is the first priority."

Walter Hofer of FIS meanwhile announced today that the Ski Flying World Championships, scheduled to take place on 19-22 March at Slovenia's Planica, was being postponed. This was also confirmed by the organisers.

Spokesperson Tomi Trbovc said that the new date would be determined by the FIS presidency in cooperation with the national ski federation and the organisers.

Kraft also announced that the Ski Jumping World Cup season was over, which leaves Slovenia's Peter Prevc in 8th place overall and Timi Zajc ranked second in the ski flying segment of the competition.

The Slovenian Football Association (NZS) cancelled all events and competitions under its auspices, saying that potential risk of infection was too high for football competitions to resume.

For now, the measure is in place until the end of March, the association said, adding that it would monitor the situation closely and take further measures accordingly.

The national basketball, volleyball, handball and ice hockey associations have also cancelled all league matches under their auspices until further notice from the authorities.