The world of politics has inevitably impacted water polo, as evidenced by the situation surrounding the swimming pool in Kotor, named after the legendary Zoran-Džimij Gopčević. This has led the Croatian Water Polo Association to threaten a boycott of the World Cup Super Finals.

Set to take place from April 11-13 in Kotor and Budva, the tournament will feature eight national teams, including both ours and Croatia, who are set to face each other in the quarterfinals. Today, the Water Polo and Swimming Federation of Montenegro received a letter from the Croatian Water Sports Federation that requires serious attention.

The implications of this situation could significantly impact the Superfinal, as the tournament offers three spots for qualification to the World Championship in Singapore this summer.

“We hereby inform you that the Croatian Football Federation will comply with the recommendations of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, which clearly state that clubs and national teams are not to compete at the Kotor swimming pool. Therefore, we ask that you address the contentious naming issue of the Kotor swimming pool at the level of both states,” states the letter from the Croatian Football Federation sent to the VPSCG.

The HVS warns that:

“Should you still choose to hold the World Cup finals in Kotor, our national team will withdraw from participation, even at the risk of facing sanctions from World Aquatics. We believe this outcome would not be in the interest of anyone involved, potentially jeopardizing the collaboration between the two Federations, and therefore the continuation of the regional league,” the statement concluded.

Last week, HVS Vice President Perica Bukić stressed that a boycott is not on the horizon.

“If we qualify for the World Cup finals, we will not boycott the event. We anticipate they will present a solution, leading us to a mutual agreement,” Bukić remarked during the qualifying tournament in Romania.

Croatian officials have barred their water polo players from entering the Kotor pool due to accusations against Zoran Gopčević regarding war crimes in the Morinj camp.

A solution for the regional league was found when Primorac and Kataro welcomed Croatian teams to Budva. Could the “Dragan Trifunović” swimming pool also serve as a venue for the World Cup Super Finals?

It is still possible that the original plan remains intact, with Croatia’s matches being held in Budva, and there is also a chance that the Super Final could take place in Podgorica, a major tourism hub. Alternatively, hosting it in the capital seems the most feasible option.

Next week could offer more clarity, as the VPSCG is expected to make decisions on the matter and subsequently inform World Aquatics and the Croatian Water Polo Association.

What remains certain and unchangeable is the inclusion of Montenegro, Croatia, Spain, Hungary, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany as confirmed participants in the Super Finals.

News