It was confirmed yesterday that Tokyo 2020 will now be held between July 23 and August 8 in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the World Games in Alabama scheduled for between July 15 and 25, there is an overlap of three days and the IWGA have confirmed that they will look for alternative options.

This could include earlier dates in 2021 or moving the event to a similar time in 2022.

Members of the IWGA Executive Committee reacted to the rearranged Olympic dates on a teleconference yesterday, where they were joined by Birmingham 2021 chief executive Nick Sellers.

"The IWGA will now urgently review alternative options, and coordinate all actions with the various stakeholders to ensure the success of the Games," a statement said today.

"In anticipation of this decision, the IWGA had already been in close contact with the International Olympic Committee, and they have pledged to help The World Games overcome the major challenges created by the decision.

"Of course, substantial further detailed evaluation needs to be carried out before the IWGA is in a position to make a decision on a possible change of dates to similar dates in 2022 or to slightly earlier dates in 2021 for The World Games 2021, but this work will be done very urgently.

"In the coming days, there will be organised a teleconference for IWGA member federations to inform them about the results of the work by the IWGA and the Organising Committee. 

"At this virtual meeting, the federations will be invited to make their views known on the IWGA proposals."

The World Games is a multi-sport event for disciplines not on the Olympic programme, and is held every four years.

Polish city Wrocław staged the last edition in 2017.

The IWGA has been particularly affected by the coronavirus outbreak as their President José Perurena has tested positive in Spain.

"In these critical times, effective communication with the member federations is of key importance," said IWGA chief executive Joachim Gossow. 

"Our goal is to find the best solution for all involved, and especially for the athletes. 

"We need to take into account all aspects of the qualification process, event preparation and execution. 

"It is a big challenge, but with effective collective and individual communications with each federation in the coming weeks, we are confident that we can achieve success."