IAAF series undergoes changes ‘to become stronger and more relevant to athletes and fans’

The Weltklasse Zurich meeting is to host the 2020 and 2021 IAAF Diamond League finals under the already-announced new one-final format.

The Diamond League was established in 2010 with two finals, traditionally held in Zurich and Brussels, but for the next two years a single final will take place in the Swiss city.

From 2022 to 2024 the final is set to rotate annually as all meetings will be invited to apply to host it.

The announcement follows details of changes to the format of the IAAF series which will incorporate 13 meetings, including the final, from next year.

The Diamond League finals will feature a 150-minute international broadcast window, which is an hour longer than the regular season meetings which will move to a 90-minute international broadcast, featuring a tailored programme of disciplines.

Each meeting can add extra events to its schedule, outside the core broadcast window, if the organisers wish.

A total of 24 disciplines – 12 male and 12 female events – will run across the 12 meetings during the international broadcast window, with each meeting hosting 12 of the 24 disciplines.

“Zurich has been the home of many of the most extraordinary moments in athletics over more than 90 years, including 25 world records, and we are delighted that it will host the pinnacle one-day meeting of 2020,’’ said IAAF president Sebastian Coe.

“The Diamond League is vital to our future growth as it provides an annual showcase of the very best in athletics, which is why we must ensure that every contest broadcast to the world is of the highest standard.

“We expect the new Diamond League format to be even more thrilling for our global audience as it builds excitement throughout the outdoor season and reaches a crescendo in Zurich.”

The IAAF and current 14 meeting organisers began discussing reforms last year, with a working group said to have since consulted with athletes, fans, broadcasters and partners to identify what needs to change and evolve to keep this annual showcase of athletics relevant and fresh for athletes and fans.

The Diamond League board is set to decide on the full 2020 schedule of 12 regular season meetings at its next session in September.The list of disciplines that will be included in the broadcast window will be decided at the end of the outdoor season.