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26 November, 2024

AQIU bans Hungarian Coach for 3 Months  

26 November 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has issued a three-month suspension to Mr. Ivan Petrov, coach within the Hungarian Swimming Association, for violating Articles 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 10.2 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. His period of ineligibility runs from 26 November 2024 until 26 February 2025. During the suspension Mr. Petrov is not allowed to hold any position, including coaching, within World Aquatics, any World Aquatics Continental Organisation, or any World Aquatics Member Federation or recognised body. The suspension shall also prevent him from taking part in any aquatic-related activities and/or events on behalf of World Aquatics, any World Aquatics Continental Organisation, or any World Aquatics Member Federation or recognised body, as well as participating or attending, in any capacity, in any aquatic competition

Link to the decision 

15 November, 2024

AQIU bans Kazakhstani Coach for 6 months 

15 November 2024, Lausanne – The Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended Mr. Dmitriy Plyamin, coach of the Swimming Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for six months for violating Article 4.1.1 of the World Aquatics Rules on the Protection from Harassment and Abuse and Articles 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. His six-month period of ineligibility runs from 5 November 2024 until 5 May 2025. A further six months of ineligibility shall be served if Mr. Plyamin is found to have committed another violation in the six months following the issuance of the decision. If such is the case, Mr. Plyamin will automatically be sanctioned with a six-month period of ineligibility, in addition to any other consequences imposed on him for the violation he committed. 

During the suspension Mr. Plyamin is not allowed to hold any position within World Aquatics, any World Aquatics Continental Organisation, or any World Aquatics Member Federation or recognised body. The suspension shall also prevent him from taking part in any aquatic-related activities and/or events on behalf of World Aquatics, any World Aquatics Continental Organisation, or any World Aquatics Member Federation or recognised body, as well as participating or attending, in any capacity, in any aquatic competition. 

Link to the decision

29 October, 2024

AQIU bans former President of the Mexican Swimming Federation for 2 years 

29 October 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has issued a two-year suspension to Mr. Kiril Todorov, former President of the Mexican Swimming Federation, for breaching his provisional suspension in violation of Article 33.8 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. This suspension, effective from 29 October 2024 until 29 October 2026, prohibits Mr. Todorov from holding any position within World Aquatics and/or Continental Organisation and/or World Aquatics Member. The suspension shall also prevent him from taking part in any Aquatic-related activities and/or events on behalf of World Aquatics, and/or Continental Organisation and/or World Aquatics Member, as well as attending in any capacity, any aquatics International Competition, as defined at Article 2.2 of the World Aquatics Competition Regulations. 

Link to the decision.

24 October, 2024

WADA Releases 2025 Prohibited List 

24 October 2024, Lausanne – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued its Prohibited List for 2025, which will come into effect on 1 January 2025.  The 2025 Prohibited List as well as summary of the major modifications can be found here. 

Key updates to the List include:

  • Adjustments to dosing intervals for formoterol, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains unchanged. 
  • The donation of blood and blood components, including through apheresis, is no longer prohibited when performed at accredited collection centres. 
  • Hydrafinil has been newly classified as a non-specified stimulant. 

In order to help athletes and stakeholders familiarise themselves with the updated Prohibited List, the International Testing Agency (ITA) will hold a webinar, “What you need to know for 2025” on 7 November 2024 from 14h-15h CET.  

Mark Stuart, a sports pharmacist, will be explaining the key changes to the Prohibited List that athletes and Athlete Support Personnel must be aware of.  

David Healy, World Anti-Doping Agency Senior Manager, Medical, Science and Medicine, will also be providing a reminder on Therapeutic Use Exemptions.  

After registering for the webinar here, participants will receive the link to join the webinar via email. 
For any inquiries or more information about the changes, please contact worldaquatics@ita.sport. 

17 October, 2024

AQIU suspends the Italian Men’s Water Polo Team for 6 months

17 October 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has issued a six-month suspension to the Italian Men’s Water Polo Team from taking part in any World Aquatics competitions and events for violating Article 5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. This violation occurred at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following the quarterfinal match against Hungary on 7 August 2024, and during the classification match against Spain on 8 August 2024.

As part of the sanction, the Italian Men’s Water Polo Team is barred from participating in the next World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup. In addition, the Team has been fined USD 100,000, of which USD 50,000 must be paid within 90 days from the date of issuance of the decision. The remaining USD 50,000 is suspended and will only become payable if the Team commits another violation of the Integrity Code before 17 October 2026.

Link to the decision.

August 7, 2024

AQIU bans 4 Officials of the Haitian Federation of the Aquatic Sports (FHSA) for violation of the World Aquatics Integrity Code

7 August 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the FHSA President, Mr. Evenel Mervilus, the FHSA Executive Director, Mr. James Cius and the FHSA Treasurer, Mr. Jean Jean Remilus for 10 years, for violating Article 5, Article 9, Article 10 and Article 15 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. The FHSA Administrator and Adjunct Treasurer, Mrs. Ruby King instead was suspended for 5 years, for violating Article 5, Article 10 and Article 15 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code.

The suspension of Mr. Mervilus runs from 6 August 2024 until 6 August 2034.
The suspension of Mr. Cius runs from 6 February 2024 until 6 February 2034.
The suspension of Mr. Remilus runs from 6 February 2024 until 6 February 2034.
The suspension of Mrs. King runs from 6 August 2024 until 6 August 2029.  

During their suspension, they are not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body. Moreover, they are not allowed to attend Aquatics International Competitions, including the Olympic Games, in any capacity.

Link to the decision of Mr. Mervilus 

Link to the decision of Mr. Cius 

Link to the decision of Mr. Remilus 

Link to the decision of Mrs. King 

July 11, 2024

AQIU welcomes the operative part of the decision of CAS ADD in case of Montenegro water polo athlete Aleksa Ukropina

11 July 2024, Lausanne – The Aquatics Integrity Unit welcomes the operative part of the decision of the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in case of Montenegro water polo athlete Aleksa Ukropina. With the decision of the Single Judge, Aleksa Ukropina is sanctioned with a period of Ineligibility of two (2) years, starting from the date of the voluntary Provisional Suspension on 14 February 2024. During the suspension Aleksa Ukropina is not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body.

The full decision, with grounds, will be issued in due course.

July 4, 2024

AQIU welcomes the decision of CAS ADD in case of Serbian swimmer Uros Nikolic

4 July 2024, Lausanne – The Aquatics Integrity Unit welcomes the decision of the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in case of Serbian swimmer Uros Nikolic. With the decision of the Single Judge, Uros Nikolic is sanctioned with a period of ineligibility of one (1) year, commencing on 4 July 2024. During the suspension Uros Nikolic is not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body.

Link to the decision.

May 23, 2024

AQIU recognises the decision to ban Mr. Antani Antonov Ivanov

23 May 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has recognised and extended worldwide the decision imposed by the Disciplinary Commission of the Bulgarian Swimming Federation by which the athlete Mr. Antani Antonov Ivanov is sanctioned with a two-year suspension and with a fine of BGN 1,000 (one thousand) for violating article 26 par. 1 and par. 3 and article 31 par. 1 and par. 3 of the Disciplinary Rules of the Bulgarian Swimming Federation. During the suspension which runs from 14 March 2024 until 14 March 2026, Mr. Ivanov is not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body.

Link to the decision.

May 15, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. Volodymyr Tymoshenko for 6 months

15 May 2024, Lausanne – The Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the physiotherapist of the Ukrainian Diving Federation Mr. Volodymyr Tymoshenko for 6 months for violating Article 5.3 and Article 10.1 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. His six-month period of ineligibility runs from 15 May 2024 until 15 November 2024. A further three months of ineligibility shall be served if Mr. Tymoshenko is found to have committed another violation of the Integrity Code in the six months following the issuance of the decision. If such is the case, Mr. Tymoshenko will automatically be sanctioned with a 3-month period of ineligibility, in addition to any other consequences imposed on him for the violation he committed.

Link to the decision.

April 15, 2024

Ensuring Fair Play: The pre-Olympic Games Anti-Doping Programme for Paris 2024 is in full swing

Athletes can be confident that they will be competing in fair competitions

As athletes prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the International Testing Agency (ITA) are working diligently with National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) to guarantee that fairness and integrity is at the heart of the aquatic competitions.

Through education and collaboration, the AQIU and the ITA are committed to ensuring that all athletes can best prepare for clean competitions as they continue to qualify and prepare for the Olympic Games.

A robust and intelligence-led anti-doping testing programme is underway to ensure that all Aquatics athletes at the Olympic Games have been subject to comprehensive anti-doping tests before their participation.

A close collaboration has been established with the Paris 2024 pre-Games Expert Group to identify potential gaps and all their recommendations have been implemented. Prior to the Paris 2024 Olympics, the ITA will conduct more than 2,600 anti-doping test attempts on behalf of World Aquatics on aquatics athletes who have qualified. More than 2,000 of these test attempts will be conducted out-of-competition to maximize efficiency and increase deterrence. A particular focus will be put on athletes likely to win a medal and on athletes likely to compete as Neutral Individual Athletes.

A significant portion of the samples collected will be kept for long-term storage and re-analysis at a later stage. Re-analysis provides an additional layer of doping deterrence and widens the detection scope of possible rule violations. As usual, and in an effort of transparency, the AQIU will continue to publish its anti-doping testing statistics on its website here.

Recognising the importance of ensuring appropriate education, encouraging sporting values, and promoting clean sport, the AQIU has initiated a number of comprehensive engagement programmes for athletes, coaches and support personnel alike. From workshops on anti-doping regulations, to e-learning courses and interactive initiatives on the ground, in cooperation with local NADOs at World Aquatics competitions, the AQIU is equipping all stakeholders with the knowledge and tools around anti-doping to uphold integrity in aquatics disciplines.

By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, the AQIU is working to ensure that athletes are deterred from engaging in unethical behaviour, are empowered to make informed choices, and can also educate their fellow athletes, contributing to a culture of clean sport.

As the countdown to Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the AQIU remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in aquatics disciplines. Through education, collaboration and support, the AQIU is taking all necessary steps to contribute to the fairness of the aquatics competitions of the Olympic Games.

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said: “Our entire community thanks the diligent work of the AQIU and their collaborative work with the ITA and NADOs in support of our athletes. The testing plan put in place reaffirm our commitment to clean aquatic sport both in Paris and beyond.”

Miguel Cardenal, Chair of the Supervisory Council of the AQIU said: “Aquatics athletes can be confident that we are working tirelessly and putting everything in place to ensure that they will be competing in fair and clean competitions at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.”

March 28, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. Andrey Kryukov and Mr. Azat Myradov for violation of the World Aquatics Integrity Code

28 March 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the World Aquatics Bureau Member Mr. Andrey Kryukov for 5 months and the Asia Aquatics Bureau Member Mr. Azat Myradov for 3 months, for violating Article 5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. The suspension of Mr. Kryukov runs from 27 March 2024 until 27 August 2024 and the suspension of Mr. Myradov runs from 27 March 2024 until 27 June 2024. During their suspension, Mr. Kryukov and Mr. Myradov are not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body. Moreover, they are not allowed to attend Aquatics International Competitions, including the Olympic Games, in any capacity.

Link to the decision of Mr. Kryukov

Link to the decision of Mr. Myradov.  

March 20, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. John Deininger for 4 months 

20 March 2024, Lausanne – The Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the USA Masters diver Mr. John Deininger for 4 months for a violation of the World Aquatics Integrity Code that occurred at the official after-party for the High Diving World Cup in 2023. During the suspension which runs from 1 March 2024 until 1 July 2024, Mr. Deininger is not allowed to take part in any Aquatic-related activities or events on behalf of World Aquatics or any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body. 

Link to the decision.

March 06, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. Marcos Jara for 20 years

6 March 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the former president of Chilean Federation of Aquatics Sport for 20 years for violating Article 2 (a) and (b) of the FINA Code of Conduct and Article C.4 of the FINA Code of Ethics. His twenty-year period of ineligibility will run from 25 August 2023 (date on which Mr. Jara was provisionally suspended) until 25 August 2043 and precludes him from taking part in any Aquatic-related activities on behalf of World Aquatics and/or Continental Organisation and/or World Aquatics Member and/or recognised body. In addition to the twenty-year period of ineligibility Mr. Jara is sanctioned with a fine of USD 50,000 equivalent to the amount that has been misappropriated from World Aquatics.

Link to the decision.

February 19, 2024

AQIU hosts insightful Anti-Doping Workshop at the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024

The Aquatics Integrity Unit held an informative anti-doping workshop on-site at the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 on Saturday 17 February. Athletes, coaches, athlete support personnel and National Federations joined in the discussion, where they heard from two anti-doping experts.

Link to the article.

February 16, 2024

AQIU Strategic Plan for 2024-2026

The Aquatics Integrity Unit is pleased to present the strategic plan for 2024-2026, a document that outlines our collective commitment to fostering integrity, transparency, and excellence in aquatics worldwide. This Strategic Plan details the AQIU’s main objectives from 2024-2026. These objectives were designed to help the AQIU achieve its vision and mission in line with its values.

Link to the strategic plan.

February 3, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. Hammam Malla for 6 months.

3 February 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the Syrian masters swimmer Mr. Hammam Malla for 6 months for violating Article 5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. His six-month period of ineligibility will run from the date of the violation i.e. 10 August 2023 until 10 February 2024. A further six months of ineligibility shall be served if Mr. Hammam Malla is found to have committed another violation of the Integrity Code in the six months following the issuance of the decision. If such is the case, Mr. Hammam Malla will automatically be sanctioned with a 6-month period of ineligibility, in addition to any other consequences imposed on him for the violation he committed.

Link to the decision.

February 1, 2024

Anti-Doping 2023 statistics.

1 February 2024, Lausanne – The Aquatics Integrity Unit released the Anti-Doping 2023 Quarter 4 statistics and the 2023 Testing statistics. Through the partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA), which manages the anti-doping programmes on behalf of World Aquatics, during 2023 were collected 5437 samples from 1527 athletes of 88 nationalities.

Link to the statistics.

January 30, 2024

AQIU bans Mr. Taha Sulaiman Al Kishry for 18 months.

30 January 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended Mr. Taha Sulaiman Al Kishry for 18 months for violating Articles 5 and 9 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code. His eighteen-month period of ineligibility will run from 30 January 2024 until 30 July 2025 and precludes him from taking part in any Aquatic-related activities on behalf of World Aquatics, Asia Aquatics, Arab Aquatics, Oman Aquatics and any other World Aquatics Continental Organisation, Member Federation and recognised body.

January 26, 2024

AQIU recognises the decision to ban Mr. Aleksandar Malenko.

26 January 2024, Lausanne – The Adjudicatory Body of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has recognised and extended worldwide the decision and the consequent sanction imposed by the independent Disciplinary Committee of the Swimming Federation of North Macedonia by which the former President of the National Swimming Federation of North Macedonia Mr. Aleksandar Malenko is permanently prohibited from engaging in any activities related to swimming sports.

Link to the decision.

September 29, 2023

AQIU bans Mr. Bartosz Kamil Olejarczyk for 45 days.

29 September 2023, Lausanne – The Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of the Aquatics Integrity Unit has suspended the Polish swimming coach Mr. Bartosz Kamil Olejarczyk for 45 days for violating Article 5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code which requires acting with the highest ethical standards of integrity and prohibits disrespectful behaviours towards athletes and acts that give the appearance of impropriety. In addition to the forty-five-day period of ineligibility that will run from 29 September 2023 to 14 November 2023, Mr. Bartosz Kamil Olejarczyk will have to send a letter of apology to the offending person and compulsorily complete an online course on harassment and abuse on the IOC’s Athlete 365 platform.

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