Major events such as the World Team Championships could be altered ©Getty Images

The format and structure of major International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) events could be set to change after the governing body opted to explore the issue.

Competitions such as the World Championships, Team World Championships and World Cup could potentially be affected by the move, which was agreed at a Board of Directors (BoD) meeting.

A “planning and promotion” working group has been formed which will present to the ITTF Executive Committee by the end of the year on the direction the organisation should take.

The BoD meeting was held in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur during this year’s Team World Championships, which finished on Sunday (March 6).

ITTF CEO Judit Farago said: "During the 2016 World Championships, it became more apparent that the ITTF needs to take a look at its major events to ensure they are structured in a way to ensure the maximum commercial and promotional benefits to the ITTF and international table tennis."

The ITTF made the decision in Kuala Lumpur last week
The ITTF made the decision in Kuala Lumpur last week ©Getty Images

It was also decided at the meeting that the 2017 World Team Championships in Halmstad, Sweden, will feature a maximum of 72 men’s and 72 women’s teams.

Major junior events were allocated, with China awarded the 2016 World Cadet Challenge which it will hold in Shanghai.

Fiji’s capital Suva will host the 2017 edition, with Riva del Garda in Italy staging the 2018 World Junior Championships.

The Board of Directors also gave the mandate to the Executive Committee to approve the ITTF Code of Ethics and Code of Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions documents.

They will be added to the ITTF handbook from September 1.