FINA Acts Fast To Replace Host For 2017 World Championships

(ATR)Budapest will host the World Aquatics Championships and World Masters Championships in 2017.

The International Swimming Federation announced its decision on Wednesday following an unusually quick search for a host to replace Guadalajara, Mexico.

Typically, FINA selects a host city at least four years in advance.

Organizers in Guadalajara withdrew from hosting the 2017 World Aquatics Championships last month, saying they could not afford the $100 million price tag.

Mexico now has to pay a $5 million penalty for the withdrawal, and had reportedly spent $9.5 million of the $100 million budget.

In a statement released on Wednesday, FINA president Julio Maglione said, "We are very happy to be in Budapest in 2017 and we are sure that the local authorities and organizers will host a great competition.

"Hungary is a country of Sport and true passion for Aquatics--the FINA World Championships and FINA World Masters Championships in two years' time will consolidate and reinforce this tradition."

Budapest is already slated to host the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships in 2017.

Swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming, and diving events will be staged in three venues closely grouped together in Budapest.These facilities were also scheduled to host events during the 2021 World Aquatics Championships.

The Komjadi Complex and the Alfred Hajos Complex are reportedly set for competition.

The Hungarian Swimming Federation has announced that the construction of the third facility, the Palace of Pools, should be completed by the end of 2016.

With Budapest now moving its hosting duties from 2021 to 2017, FINA will reopen the process to select a site for the 2021 event.

Written byNicole Bennett

Home page photo: Getty Images

For general comments or questions,click here.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.