Head coach Primož Troppan told the press on Monday that his players will not be in Sunderland between Thursday and Sunday for games against Israel, Russia, the UK and Moldavia.

"We are not going. That's it," Troppan said, adding that he had not been given any explanations about the financial situation.

It is not yet known what sanctions will be imposed on Slovenia. "There will certainly be sanctions. I hope it is not going to be a harsh one", he said, noting that the very existence of the national water polo team is undermined.

The national Olympic Committee has tried to resolve the situation, but failed because the bank accounts of the Water Polo Association have been blocked, according to Troppan.

The coach was optimistic ahead of the tournament, saying that the Slovenian team had a chance to qualify for the European championships for the first time since 2003, when Slovenia hosted the tournament in Kranj.

VZS president Krajnc is said to be the main culprit for the financial situation. He is being investigated for the signing of detrimental contracts, unexplained cash withdrawals and even forging of documents.

The entrepreneur from Ptuj, who was also running for the president of the national Olympic Committee, has allegedly defrauded the Water Polo Association of some EUR 150,000.