FINA Press Release - World Championships 2005

The FINA Executive met on January 11th in Montreal (Canada) with the Organising Committee of the XI FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005.

FINA expressed its strong interest in maintaining the Championships in Montreal, but also its concern with the continuing commitment of the governments of Canada and Québec and the city of Montreal to the event.

“We awarded the Championships to Montreal on the basis of a clear understanding of commitments by the governments of Québec and Canada and an agreed total expenditure budget necessary to deliver an event of such importance. The budget allocations between public and private sources is a matter for Canada, Québec and Montreal, not FINA,” said FINA President Mustapha Larfaoui.

FINA has attempted to arrange meetings with the responsible ministers, without success.
FINA said that it is willing to discuss any and all matters relating to the Championships, but needs, not later than January 18, 2005, assurance that the approved expenditure budget will be respected. Following its decision as to whether to maintain the Championships in Montreal, FINA is willing to meet with ministers and the city of Montreal to discuss all outstanding matters relating to the Championships.

Mr. Larfaoui stated: “We are sure that solutions can be found to resolve all remaining challenges, so that the Championships will be a success for all concerned. We are greatly encouraged by the news that support from the private sector, especially the important commitment of $4 million from le Conseil du Patronat, will be provided. This is a good step forward.”


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