The International Luge Federation Congress has been postponed ©Getty Images

The International Luge Federation (FIL) Congress has been postponed, effectively extending the reign of outgoing President Josef Fendt.

The Congress was scheduled for June 15 and 16 in Berchtesgaden in Germany, but has been postponed in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A new Presidential election will take place when the Congress does.

Fendt announced that the FIL Executive Board had reached this conclusion in a circular letter. 

A new date, likely in October or November, will be confirmed next month.

International Luge Federation President Josef Fendt is set to stay in the post for longer than initially planned ©Getty Images
International Luge Federation President Josef Fendt is set to stay in the post for longer than initially planned ©Getty Images

Although Germany is easing some restrictions, holding an international event in June would likely be impossible, with mass gatherings still regulated and travel restrictions in place. 

Fendt, who was permanently elected President at the FIL Congress of 1994 in Rome, wants current secretary general Einars Fogelis of Latvia to succeed him as President.

The German Fendt is only the FIL's second President, following Austria's Bert Isatitsch who died in 1994.

While the Congress has been pushed back, various FIL Commissions are due to meet electronically for the first time this weekend.