On 12 November 2025, FISU’s Executive Committee convened for its last meeting of the year, held online, to chart a course for the years ahead. 

One of the major items on the agenda was an application from Jilin, China, to host the 2027 FISU World University Games (Winter). The Executive Committee gave the green light for its Steering Committee to assess the bid at the end of November. If the city meets all required conditions, FISU will move ahead with a formal attribution contract. 

During the EC Meeting, two important internal personnel changes were announced:

Marianela O’Mahony, FISU’s current Head of Marketing Communications, was appointed as the new Head of Communications. This role merges marketing communication with corporate communication to align FISU’s messaging and boost its overall visibility and agility. 

Delise O’Meally, previously a member of the Executive Committee, has been appointed as Head of Higher Education Relationships and FISU Master. In this operational role she will oversee FISU’s engagement with higher‑education institutions as well as the development of the FISU Master programme. As a consequence of this appointment, she has resigned from the Executive Committee.

The meeting also marked the first participation of Haris Pavletic, the newly elected President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), who joined the Executive Committee meeting as the European continent’s representative.  His presence underscores a deepening collaboration between FISU and the European university‑sport movement, reinforcing the importance of continental cooperation in the development of university sport.

FISU President Leonz Eder extended thanks to the Brazilian University Sports Confederation (CBDU), its President Alim Maluf Neto, and First Vice‑President Luciano Cabral for organising the Brasília 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball. This successful event serves as a capstone to a very full year for FISU. 
With the Winter Games bid review underway and key leadership roles realigned, FISU enters 2026 focused on growth, stronger academic links, and enhanced global engagement.

*Information and photos courtesy of FISU

For more information, please visit https://www.fisu.net/