Germany has withdrawn its men's team from the Flag Football tournament at The World Games 2022 Birmingham, USA. The decision was made on Tuesday before the quarterfinals against the USA. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) issued a statement:
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is disappointed to announce that the German Men’s National Flag Football Team has withdrawn from The World Games 2022 after five positive COVID-19 cases were found within the delegation, including three athlete cases.
In line with The World Games 2022 protocols, all affected individuals are now self-isolating within the Athlete Village and close contacts have been notified.
Germany’s scheduled quarter-final fixture with USA at 17:00 today will not go ahead and their opponents USA will automatically progress to the semi-finals. The only other impact on today’s schedule will be on a 5-8 placement match, which will also now be cancelled.
Pierre Trochet, IFAF President, said: “We are very disappointed for Team Germany and send our best wishes to those affected for a speedy recovery, and to all the players whose tournament has ended prematurely. We are confident in the measures implemented by the local organising committee to ensure this outbreak is monitored and contained - and that the tournament will continue as scheduled.”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.