The Congress was due to be held in The Hague from May 20 to 23, while the Olympiad was scheduled for August 5 to 17 in Moscow.

An Opening Ceremony and the inaugural Chess Paralympics were also going to take place in Khanthy-Mansiysk alongside the main event in the Russian capital.

The events are now set to be rescheduled to 2021 in the same locations. 

A decision was made following the growing concern regarding the coronavirus pandemic, which has now infected more than 461,000 people worldwide, with more than 20,000 fatalities. 

FIDE contests had been some of the only sporting events still taking place around the world. 

"The Chess Olympiad is the most popular FIDE event, attended by thousands of people, including players, coaches, officials, and spectators," a FIDE statement said.

"The mission of Chess Olympiads is not only to determine the results, but also to popularise our game and unite chess lovers around the world in this truly global sports festival.

"At the same time, FIDE is deeply concerned about the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people's lives. 

"Taking into account the reports from the World Health Organisation indicating the constant increase in the number of cases worldwide, and given the International Olympic Committee statement regarding the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, FIDE has decided to postpone the Chess Olympiad - including the competition for players with disabilities - and the FIDE Congress."