European Aquatics (EA) has entrusted the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) to host the Men’s Waterpolo Champions League Final Four for three consecutive years – 2024, 2025, and 2026 at the island’s National Pool Complex. In nominating the ASA, European Aquatics said that the Association satisfies all the key requirements and has the Maltese government’s full support.
The European Champions League, which started in 1963 as the European Cup, is contested by the top European teams. It is the continent’s most prestigious professional waterpolo club competition. The spectacular Final Four event provides an exciting climax to the waterpolo season, which runs from September to June. Therefore, for the next three years, all eyes will be focused on Malta as fans and participants eagerly look forward to witnessing keen competition to see which team is crowned as European champions.
The Final Four, the first significant international event to be hosted by ASA in what promises to be a hectic summer, will be held between 6-8th June 2024. The U16 World Waterpolo Championships will follow between the 18th and 24th of June, and the European Junior Swimming Championships will take place between the 28th of June and the 2nd of July.
ASA president Karl Izzo said, “Organising an event such as the waterpolo Champions League Final Four is a dream for a small nation like Malta.
“We are thrilled to be given this opportunity by European Aquatics. We are extremely excited to have such strong teams coming to our island for the next three seasons. We will work hard for it.”
Izzo said he considers the Final Four as yet another feather in the ASA’s cap, having previously hosted numerous Junior waterpolo Championships. “This continues to emphasise the highest esteem that our Association is held within the European Aquatics family.”
On behalf of the ASA, he thanked Clifton Grima, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth and Innovation, Tourism Minister Clayton Grima, and SportMalta’s CEO for their support and full backing, without whose support the hosting of this event, which is expected to be a showcase for Malta’s hospitality would not be possible.
Meanwhile, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva said, “The ASA of Malta has a very strong tradition in waterpolo, and we are confident in their capabilities to organise a high-level event to the standards of European Aquatics.”
EA’s first Vice President, Josip Varvodic, added: “Malta is well known for its love of waterpolo, and the best players from all over the world come to Malta to play with local clubs in the summer league. I want to thank Dr Clifton Grima, the Minister of Sport, who gave his unconditional support for hosting this event, and especially the President of ASA Malta, Karl Izzo, who has been living water his entire life. He will, no doubt, be an excellent host for the Men’s Champions League Final Four.”
Minister Clifton Grima said that it means a lot for Malta to host this prestigious event, which is one of the highlights of the waterpolo season. “Waterpolo is very important in the Maltese ecosystem. We are always ready for a challenge and look forward to welcoming the top players and clubs to our country in June,” the Minister said.
