Doha World Cup implements mandatory 14-day quarantine, will be held ‘behind closed doors’

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) posted the below update on Thursday, March 5, about the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to upcoming meets, including Olympic-qualifying events.

Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the upcoming FIG events

The fast-changing situation related to the COVID-19 outbreak is a challenge for the International Gymnastics Federation as well as all sports governing bodies. The FIG is continuously monitoring the evolution of the situation closely with the host federations of upcoming events. You can find below regular updates.

• Cancellation

Italy: Due to the current situation in Italy, the Italian Gymnastics Federation has decided to cancel the Jesolo Cup in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics that was scheduled on 4-5 April.

• Restrictions

Qatar: The organising committee of the Doha Artistic Gymnastics Individual Apparatus World Cup informed that the event will be held behind closed doors.

In addition, as of today, all travelers, regardless of their nationality arriving at Doha International Airport from China, South Korea, Egypt, Iran or Italy, have to undergo a 14-day health quarantine procedure in Qatar, before entering the country.

All other events have been maintained until further notice.

Vanessa Ferrari withdrawing from Doha

In response to this news, it seems Italian gymnast Vanessa Ferrari, and likely the rest of the Italian contingent, will not be attending the Doha World Cup. This is according to a post shared to her Instagram Story on Thursday afternoon.

Ferrari’s lack of attendance could prevent her from earning an Olympic spot via the Individual Apparatus World Cup route.

Ferrari currently sits in second in the floor exercise rankings with 75 points, just behind Jade Carey (USA).

Carey will likely earn an individual spot via the vault rankings, meaning if Ferrari finished in second at the end of the series, the floor spot would be hers. But, she would need to attend both the Baku and Doha World Cups to effectively block others from leapfrogging her in the standings.

Her withdrawal due to these new restrictions could be the reason she doesn’t earn an Olympic berth.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Gymnastics Now has reached out to the FIG for comment in regard to the Doha World Cup’s new restrictions.