Canadian men’s water polo team withdraws from worlds due to COVID-19

Canada’s men’s water polo team withdrew from the world aquatics championships in Hungary following an additional positive COVID-19 test on Friday.

The team’s Thursday match against Italy was previously rescheduled to Friday, then forfeited entirely, due to prior cases of the virus. Also, a Saturday match against South Africa was cancelled.

Water Polo Canada said in a statement that it made to CBC Sports, “This decision was taken to ensure and preserve both the short- and long-term overall well being, safety, and health of participants, who always remains Water Polo Canada’s primary priority.” 

Canada lost its opener 19-2 against Spain, but FINA — aquatics’ governing body — saidIt would not be taken into consideration.

It is not known who among the team members tested positive.

Earlier Friday, FINA saidThe team could resume play in the seeding brackets Monday, assuming no further positive tests are performed and that all athletes have been properly isolated.

Water Polo Canada, however, decided to leave the tournament without any medals.