The IQA is committed to transparency and accountability. In response to concerns raised regarding the indoor pitch at the IQA World Cup 2025, we have compiled the following statement to provide clarity on what occurred, what decisions were made, and how we plan to prevent similar issues in the future. This information is addressed directly to our members, national teams, and wider quadball community, who deserve safe, high-quality gameplay environments at every level of international competition.
Venue Selection and Announcement
There was a site visit conducted by the IQA Events Department after the public announcement. However, this visit did not include a formal evaluation using the IQA’s standard field inspection protocols. The venue was primarily assessed through in-person impressions, virtual materials, and documentation provided by the local partners,
In hindsight, we recognize that while the IQA has established protocols for quadball-specific field inspection and venue approval, these were not fully followed in this case. This represents a clear oversight, and we are committed to ensuring that all future events strictly adhere to the protocols in place.
Why the Indoor Field Was Used
The indoor field (Pitch 1) was selected primarily because of space limitations. Originally, our plan was to use exclusively outdoor fields. However, due to venue constraints and scheduling requirements, we needed a third field to meet the gameplay demands of the tournament. The indoor pitch was the only available alternative on-site.
From an evaluation standpoint, the field was inspected in the lead-up to the tournament and found to be less than ideal, but not unsafe to the point of being dangerous. However, we did not apply our full protocol for field evaluation, which includes standardized assessment templates designed to capture issues like flooring material, boundaries, and potential hazards. This procedural lapse is one we deeply regret and are actively reviewing.
The site selection team and the operations team were not the same group of people. This disconnection created a gap in knowledge transfer and accountability.
Once on-site, the operations team initially assessed that Pitch 1, while not ideal, was playable. However, after receiving strong and repeated concerns from teams, and seeking feedback from officials, it became clear that continued use of the pitch was not acceptable.
The on-site team then made adjustments to the outdoor pitch configurations so the indoor field no longer needed to be used. We acknowledge that relying on team pushback rather than proactive enforcement of standards reflects a serious gap in our process — one we are committed to correcting in future events.
Adjustments Made During the Tournament
Due to the indoor setting and the presence of walls on Pitch 1, minor gameplay adaptations were communicated to referees and teams.
In response to concerns raised during the tournament, we also took steps to limit the number of games played on Pitch 1. Scheduling was adjusted to reduce reliance on this field and to distribute its use as evenly as possible across teams.
These measures were reactive and temporary, implemented to mitigate the limitations of the pitch as they became apparent. The following day, the outdoor pitches were redesigned to accommodate a fifth pitch outside. This required reducing the sizes of three pitches to accommodate the additional pitch.
We recognize that such adaptations should not be necessary, and we are committed to ensuring that all playing fields meet required standards in future events.
Communication with Teams and NGBs
While teams and NGBs received general information about the venue, including public announcements, images, and logistical details, they were not provided with detailed specifications or visuals of each individual pitch — particularly Pitch 1. As a result, concerns specific to that field were not identified or raised in advance.
We also recognize that the reputation of the venue and the confidence shown by the IQA in its communications may have contributed to a perception that all necessary inspections and standards had been met. Regardless, the responsibility to ensure field safety lies with us, and this incident has underscored the importance of more thorough, field-specific communication and verification ahead of future tournaments.
Preventing Future Mistakes
We are currently conducting a formal internal review — involving Trustees and Departments involved — to document what decisions were made, what processes were followed or overlooked, and where accountability needs to improve. During the planning of the IQA World Cup 2025 we also had a change in leadership in the Events Department, who we have full confidence will ensure proper field assessments will occur for all potential international tournament venues.
Moving forward, the following measures will be implemented:
- Site visit must be conducted by detailed virtual walkthrough together with the relevant members of the events and gameplay teams. This step will be required for field approval.
- All volunteers, directors, and Trustees involved in the tournament process will be trained in the official pitch evaluation protocol, so the process is well understood, consistent, and enforceable across all levels.
- Clearer communication and documentation processes will be established to ensure stronger alignment between the site selection phase and the tournament execution team, minimizing disconnects and oversights.
In addition, the IQA Trustees are developing a participatory feedback process involving national representatives and structured listening sessions. This will ensure that lessons learned from the 2025 World Cup are not only documented, but also openly discussed in our community and used for the improvement of future events. We will be inviting all members, players, volunteers, officials and committee to take part in this process, as we work together to strengthen our standards and rebuild trust.
The Board of Trustees and Directors
International Quadball Association