FINA opts to leave neutral route open for Russian and Belarusian athletes while codifying discretionary powers to block participation

The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) will allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to continue competing as neutrals in aquatic disciplines. The decision contrasts with those made by many other international federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions after the governments of both countries violated the Olympic Truce at the onset of the invasion of Ukraine.

According to FINA, the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral athletes was backed by a majority of the FINA Athletes’ Committee. Both the FINA Bureau and Athletes’ Committee remain opposed to a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

However, FINA’s approach on the matter now includes a key caveat following the latest videoconference of the FINA Bureau. A new bylaw was passed that would allow FINA to review the participation of athletes and officials at the organization’s events on a case-by-case basis in emergency situations.

The bylaw could be used in the future to prevent athletes and officials from entering and participating in events when their attendance threatens the safety of other athletes or the integrity of the competition.

FINA is currently in the process of reviewing all scheduled events. They will review any competition before making a decision to suspend athletes or teams.

The FINA Bureau also committed to increasing its collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to ensure that necessary measures are in place to continue out-of-competition anti-doping controls within Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.