Europe’s best water polo teams set to return to majestic Malta

The excitement levels are growing as we are getting closer to the pinnacle of the water polo club season, the Champions League Final Four. Once again, the stunning and picturesque island of Malta will welcome the top four clubs and, as usual, the weekend will offer four thrilling matches and much more.

Champions League Men
Final Four, Semi-Finals
Friday, 30 May 2025
(Local times shown)

19:30: VK Novi Beograd (SRB) v Zodiac CNAB (ESP)
21:30: FTC Telekom Waterpolo (HUN) v CN Marseille (FRA)

Water polo fans are about to set their eyes on Malta – Europe’s water polo paradise, where the Champions League Final Four shall take place for the second time.

From 30 May to 1 June, title-holders FTC-Telekom, 2014 champions Zodiac CNAB, two-times runners-up Novi Beograd and newcomers CN Marseille will play for the most prestigious trophy in club water polo.

The pearl of the Mediterranean, Malta is a top tourist destination any time of the year – and now a site where four elite teams and their respective players will land next week, eyeing the Champions League trophy and thinking they are perhaps destined to lift it on Sunday evening.

In association with VisitMalta, the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta will once more create a perfect environment for the participants, players, coaches, officials and fans.

As European Aquatics President Antonio Silva put it in his welcome notes, ‘European Aquatics is extremely grateful to the Government of Malta, especially Mr. Clifton Grima, Maltese Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Sports Malta, CEO Mr. Mark Cutajar and mostly to the president of the ASA of Malta; Mr. Karl Izzo, for once again hosting this tournament on their magnificent island.

‘The ASA of Malta has been a trusted partner of European Aquatics for many years and has established a tradition of consistently delivering exceptional and memorable water polo events.

‘Our fantastic hosts will once more excel, by creating an amazing atmosphere and environment for all the players, officials, fans, and the media alike.’

First Vice-President Josip Varvodic praised the efforts of the water polo family.

‘As we prepare for the grand conclusion of another remarkable season of Champions League water polo, I’m sure you’ll join me in feeling a sense of great pride and satisfaction with all that we’ve witnessed over the past 12 months.

‘The passion, skill, and dedication displayed by the teams, coaches and players across the continent has been nothing short of inspiring, leaving us with sensational moments that will be remembered for years to come.

‘The European Aquatics Bureau, alongside the devoted members of the European Aquatics TWPC, is constantly looking for ways to elevate water polo to its highest potential, and to ensure the best possible experience for players and fans alike.’

This year’s edition shall be a special one as the event is going to be the highlight of the centennial celebrations at ASA Malta.

‘2025 marks the Aquatic Sports Association’s 100 years since its foundation and I could think of no better way to mark this milestone than by successfully bidding to host the European Aquatics Water Polo Champions League Final 4 event in Malta for three consecutive years – 2024-2026,’ President Karl Izzo said.

‘It is indeed an ambitious project for us, being one of the European Aquatics’ smallest but proudest members, and a testimony of the European Aquatics’ vision of entrusting such events to non-conventional traditional venues.’

Again, the world-class Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex will be the venue for the Final Four. The schedule for the semi-finals has already been confirmed for 30 May.

First, Novi Beograd and Barceloneta will face-off from 19.30, followed by the clash of Ferencvaros and Marseille, kicking off at 21.00.

Two days later, the bronze medal match and final will be staged in the same time-frame.

For the clubs, 31 May is a rest day, but it will still offer plenty of action.

The traditional meeting to discuss the competitions’ details for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, involving the National Federations’ and clubs’ representatives, will be held in the morning, while in the afternoon, the SportMalta Centenary Super Cup Final will take place in the pool.

Watch all the Champions League Men Final Four action live on www.euroaquaticstv.com and stay up-to-date with live results/tables and real-time updates through the European Aquatics App. Download it here: Google Play.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

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