Blow for Kenya Swimming Federation as suspension is set to be continued

The Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) is set to continue serving its current suspension imposed on them by International Swimming Federation (FINA) after the world governing body’s Executive decided it will not propose to have the sanction lifted.

KSF remains suspended by FINA due to delay in organizing elections and there are fears should the elections not be conducted in time as required by the international swimming body, it would attract a ban.

In a letter written on Monday 23 May 2022 and directed to The Sports Dispute Tribunal Chairman John Ohaga and KSF, FINA says that current circumstances have led them to the decision not to propose a lifting of the suspension.

“Please be informed that the FINA Executive met on 18 May 2022 and considered the matter related to the Kenya Swimming Federation. Based on all current circumstances of this matter, the FINA Executive decided that it will not propose to the FINA Bureau to lift the current suspension from the Kenya Swimming Federation,” the letter read.

Swimming trials for XXII Commonwealth Games underway at Kasarani

With the suspension set to continue, it means that the Kenya Swimming Federation is not permitted to participate to FINA Congresses and other FINA non-sporting events, is prevented to take part in and benefit from any FINA programmes and related funding and is unable to nominate candidates for elections/appointments to any FINA offices or positions (FINA Bureau, FINA committees or other FINA bodies).

However, athletes from Kenyan Sport Nationality may continue to compete in FINA events or FINA sanctioned events, provided that they are registered on their own behalf and that they meet all other FINA Rules and requirements. Their international representation will be as International FINA Athletes (IFA).

In relation to the upcoming 19th FINA World Championships Budapest 2022, FINA Office has observed that two registrations had been submitted in the set deadline. Mr. Swaleh Abubakar TALIB and Ms. Lucia Ruchti will therefore be the sole athletes from Kenyan Sport Nationality entitled to compete in Budapest as IFA, both accompanied with his/her respective team official.

They will be entitled to receive travel and accommodation support for the said championships, but any reimbursement shall be subject to FINA’s requested usual proofs of payments and carried out directly with the two concerned athletes and not through the Kenya Swimming Federation.