D-4 : the wishes of France

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Four days before the announcement of the vote concerning the new format of the world championships, Dominique Ruaux, president of the national commission of underwater hockey, explains what France’s expectations are for this vote. 

As the decisive hour approaches, Dominique Ruaux has detailed the French proposal (see above). « The priority is the holding of an Elite World Championship in 2022 and a Junior European Championship in parallel ». After 2 years without international competition, the return of youth competitions seems to be a priority for the French clan, which is, moreover, for the organisation of the youth world championships the following year (2023).

In favour of the establishment of a World Cup every two years with qualifications by zone the previous year, the French proposal adds a nuance that has its importance. ‘We would like the zone qualifying championships to take place at the same time as the European championships’. The French president of the national underwater hockey commission hopes to integrate African countries, such as South Africa, into this zone championship. ‘There will be a ranking for the European championship, without Africa, and another one for the qualifying championships where they will be present’. With the integration of South Africa into the competition, it is a high level team that would be added in these tough qualifiers.

If South Africa is the only African country concerned for the moment, Dominique Ruaux wants to integrate an emerging country into the world championships, in addition to the ten best teams and the host country. ‘Ten teams is too short.’ This may give another African country a chance.

The decisive hour is coming. So, just like yesterday, don’t hesitate to take today’s survey on our Facebook page ! This time, about the probable creation of a new competition …