Croatia & The Netherlands To Stage 2024 European Water Polo Championships: Replace Israel As Hosts
The European Water Polo Championships – originally scheduled for Netanya, Israel – will be held in Croatia and the Netherlands in January 2024.
European Aquatics announced on Friday that the men’s tournament will take place in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, Croatia, from 4-16 January with Eindhoven, Netherlands, hosting the women’s event from 5-13 of that month.
It follows the decision earlier this month to call off the event in Netanya following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Palestine.
A statement from European Aquatics said:
“European Aquatics is pleased to confirm that an agreement was found with the Croatian Water Polo Federation and the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation to co-host the 2024 European Water Polo Championships at the beginning of January 2024.
“The Men’s tournament will take place in Dubrovnik and Zagreb from 4-16 January and the Women’s tournament in Eindhoven from 5-13 January.
“This decision will allow a qualification path for the World Championships in Doha, as well as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“President Antonio Silva said:
“‘We were forced to postpone the European Championships in Netanya because of the terrorist outrages against the Israeli people. In the interest
sof the athletes, I am glad that we have been able to secure two great hosts and would like to thank our federations in Croatia and the Netherlands for doing everything possible to make these championships happen. By working together, we will organise these events in an optimal way.’
“First Vice-President Josip Vardovic said:
“I also want to strongly thank the political authorities in both nations who stepped up to provide the necessary support and resources, at very short notice. I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr Andrej Plenkovic, for helping to guarantee enough resources for use of two venues, just one year after Croatia organised the last edition of the European Championships, for both men and women, in Split.
“I would also like to express our appreciation to the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation for gathering the support of local and national political authorities to ensure the hosting of this event. We can now look forward to a great promotion of Water Polo in Netherlands and Croatia.”