The UAE Swimming Federation have claimed that they "understand" USA Swimming's decision to snub the upcoming open water race in Abu Dhabi.
No American swimmers will be sent to the Middle East for the 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup on March 13 after Fran Crippen drowned during a race in Fujairah four years ago.
"What happened to Fran Crippen was a tragedy and we understand the position USA Swimming are taking," a UAESF spokesman told Sport360°.
"But we also have a duty to deliver races to help promote open water swimming - a discipline that is collapsing and needs more heroes and races to get back to its glory days.
"We are working with FINA to get open water swimming back on its feet and that is why we are hosting this race."
All safety measures will be tested on February 21.
