The Slovenian organisers were supposed to host the world championships for seniors, for under-23 competitors and for juniors, but all events have been cancelled in agreement with the World Rowing Federation (FISA).

Announcing the cancellation for the STA on Thursday, the Slovenian Rowing Federation said the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo had been seen as an opportunity for a "giga-championship" at Bled, which last time hosted the World Rowing Championships in 2011.

But the FISA has decided to call off the competition at the Slovenian lakeside resort since it does not expect that the situation related to the pandemic will be sorted out and all airline connections up and running by mid-August.

The Slovenian organisers were ready to postpone the event until October, but no common ground has been found with the FISA. Such a postponement would be a problem for the younger competitors who have school obligations.

What is more, the FISA is looking for a date in September or October for the European championship, which had been planned to take place between 5 and 7 June in Poland's Poznan.

The Slovenian national federation will meanwhile be looking for compensation as it has so far invested a six-figure amount in the organisation of the event. It hopes that at least a part of the loss will be reimbursed by the government through the anti-coronavirus legislation.

Bled remains on the rowing calendar, as its rowing centre will host unofficial European veteran championships in 2021 and 2022, which is usually hosted by Germany's Munich. It will also bid to host the European championship in 2023.