IOF establishes Independent Investigation Panel following tragedy

IOF establishes Independent Investigation Panel following tragedy

During a meeting on 1 September 2025, the IOF Council agreed to appoint an Independent Investigation Panel following the tragic death of Italian athlete Mattia Debertolis.

The panel will be tasked to investigate and assess to Middle distance competition at the The World Games in Chengdu, China in August 2025.

The investigation should encompass the performance of the IOF organisation and conduct of the event in consideration of the IOF and The World Games rules as applicable for the competition.

The Council sees great importance in gaining a clearer and fact-based understanding of the incident, and emphasizes the importance of as much transparency as possible in this work.

Work is currently underway to staff the panel, after which a timeline for the work will be established.

Inquiries related to the establishment of this panel may be directed to IOF Secretary General Sondre Gullord.