The IFMP said the decision was taken to protect players during the coronavirus pandemic, with most participating countries still subject to lockdowns.

The Nations Cup final had originally been scheduled to take place in Peru, but political problems and the emerging coronavirus crisis saw the country withdraw as hosts.

A digital host platform will now be used to host the event, with 14 nations due to compete.

Each player will participate from home and will be able to see and communicate with each of their table competitors while the session is on, the IFMP said.

"All International Sports Federations are facing enormous challenges due to the pandemic but we are fortunate that, with our gameplay software, we are able to play a 'live' event but in individual home locations," said Patrick Nally, IFMP President.

"Players will also be able to communicate with their team mates, captain, manager and analysts during breaks in play.

“Match poker is a sport based entirely on skill and it’s the combination of a team's effort that will ultimately produce the winner.

“The social relationships developed through the hosting of our match poker events are important to us and we are looking forward to getting back to live events as soon as practical, but we will continue to support our international competition schedule in this manner until such times as our 'sporting family' can be reunited”.

The IFMP said the global nature of the event means that while some teams will experience early morning play, others will be participating during their evening.

Reigning world champions Ukraine will participate in the event, alongside European champions Spain and Asian champions India.

Taiwan, Australia, Singapore, Korea, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Belarus and Lithuania will also compete, along with a digital nation and a President's pick.

Match poker was devised and developed by the IFMP as a team-based mind sport where the element of chance inherent in the “random draw of cards” has been removed.

The organisation said this means it conforms to the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) definition of a sport as ‘not relying on any element of luck specifically integrated into the sport.’

IFMP hold observer status with GAISF and have over 65 member federations worldwide.

The federation says it has successfully developed the match poker technology including innovative use of smartphones in game-play and administration.

For the Nations Cup players will be producing personal video introductions to help with the event production, and will also use their mobile phones or tablets to access the gameplay software.