World League (water polo)

The World League draw takes place in two stages. The first stage is a series of zonal tournaments. One or two of the best teams from each zone - America, Africa, Asia and Oceania and several groups of the European zone - go to the Super Final. The team of the host country of the Super Final at the first stage participates out of competition.

Participants in the Super Final (usually 8 teams) are divided into two groups. Following the results of matches in groups, the composition of quarter-final pairs is formed. The winners of the quarter-finals continue the fight for medals in the playoff system, the losers dispute 5-8th places.

Within the FINA World League, different rules for conducting water polo matches have been tested. So since 2002, each period in matches of men's teams lasted 9 minutes, a long break between the second and third quarter lasted 15 minutes. In 2005, a new format of women's matches was tested - the duration of each quarter increased from 7 to 8 minutes (officially, the innovation took effect on September 15, 2005).

Currently, competitions are held according to uniform rules. The duration of the period is 8 minutes, there are 2-minute breaks between quarters and a large 5-minute break between the second and third quarter. In the event of a tie after four periods, the winner of the match is determined in a series of 5-meter free throws.

For the participants of the World League money prizes are provided, in particular, the winner of the men's tournament is awarded a prize of $ 100 thousand, and the female - $ 50 thousand.

Men

Women

• FINA Official Website