TWO REASONS

The IBSF said the switch from Sochi, host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics, was made for two main reasons.

Firstly, to allow athletes and coaches from all nations to participate in a competition that focuses on sport rather than accusations and discussions, whether justified or not.

Secondly, because the organisers have worked hard to prepare for the event but their efforts will inevitably be overshadowed by recent developments.

The statement added: "The IBSF asks all members and athletes for fair play and respect which also includes the assumption of innocence for any athlete, regardless of national affiliation, until proven guilty."

Germany had ruled out boycotting the event but wanted it moved from Sochi, their bobsleigh federation (BSV) sports director Thomas Schwab told Reuters earlier on Tuesday.

"We would be very unhappy if it took place there. We have offered the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation to jump in and host the event. We would welcome a move of the event to another location," he said before the IBSF announcement.

The IBSF decided to switch the championships from Sochi after saying last week it would "act promptly and decisively following the publication of the final McLaren Report" after reading and digesting it.

McLaren's report said analysis of samples from four Russians who won gold medals in Sochi had shown salt readings that were physiologically impossible.

There was also evidence of tampering with the samples of 12 Russian medallists at those Games.