FINA is looking for a new venue to host next year's world short-course championships owing to the financial crisis afflicting Dubai, an Austrian swimming official has claimed to national media. FINA denied that tonight, however.

Dubai itself, as well as several large companies linked to a construction industry working at break-neck pace on large-scale developments, are in serious financial difficulties. The pool that was to have been used for the 2010 swim event is far from being completed but there is a year to go yet and much could unfold.

Amid growing concerns about the extent of the crisis in Dubai and the emirate's consequent ability to host major events, FINA is said to have approached other potential bidders to host the 2010 event. 

Austria was among those approached but declined, Austrian federation secretary general Thomas Gangel told the Austrian press agency APA. Perhaps that had something to do with the fact that Austria bid for 2012 but lost to Istanbul, which is currently hosting the European short-course championships.

But tonight, Cornel Marculescu. exec director of FINA, told agency reporters: "The world championships will take place in Dubai." He added that he had called "Vienna to organise the worlds after Dubai". That must have been some while ago, given that the bids have been considered for 2012 and the event awarded to Turkey. 

What may well be happening is that FINA is making sure that it is covered at a time of financial uncertainty over the timing of projects that will doubtless one day be finished. 

Last month, Marculescu had to hand some photos of what will clear be an amazing facility when it is finished. Not all things are doom and gloom in Dubai it seems, and if you're planning to travel, check this out.

Meantime, there were no new swimming events added for the London 2012 Olympic Games when the IOC announced additions in other sports today. In August FINA agreed to withdraw proposals for change while it considered the IOC's demand: if FINA wants 50m on each stroke, it must find events to drop. It is unlikely that the 50m events will make it for the foreseeable future, while in January FINA will consider a coaching commission recommendation that the 800m for women be replaced by a 1,500m in time for 2012. 

Given that the Olympic cycle is well underway, many involved in training for the 800m, including Britain head coach Denis Pursley, want the distance switch to be delayed until 2016. the 800m for women has been in the Games since Debbie Meyer, USA, claimed the inaugural crown at altitude in Mexico City in 1968.