ASA postpones 2004 Winter League

The Aquatic Sports Association (ASA) yesterday announced that this year's Winter League was postponed after it was learned that refurbishment works at Tal-Qroqq's pool will not be ready in time for Saturday's opening match between Sliema and San Giljan.

At first, there was a suggestion for teams to play in the adjacent diving pool. But, with the area of play being smaller in dimension this must have convinced club delegates to vote against the proposal.

The ASA have still not given up hope of holding the tournament though and could seek other alternatives, one of which being to stage matches at the Neptunes pool.

Eight teams had registered for the Winter League this year along with the ASA Youths who play out of competition. The first edition was played in 1994.

Refurbishment on the pool bed and surrounding tiling had started in the first weeks of January.

However, the project hit a snag and a delay in deadline after objections were raised to some of the works already carried out.

No foreign players

During a meeting yesterday, other topics were discussed including changes with Malta's accession to the EU next May.

The foreign player issue was top of the agenda with clubs reaching an agreement to refrain from signing overseas players in the national championship next summer.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Swimming Club members, including European junior champion David Davis, arrived yesterday to start a week-long training camp at Tal-Qroqq.