For the first time in FINA history the event has been held following an hybrid format: 119 National Federations, represented by 189 delegates physically attended the Congress respecting a robust and safe COVID-19 protocol, while another 102 National Federations (202 delegates) followed a the programme via a live stream and cast their vote through a highly secured online system. Some NFs will be represented both on-site and online.
The new FINA President Husain Al Musallam received 302 votes from the delegates representing 183 National Federations (with 108 attending the Congress on site and the remaining ones online).
New FINA President Mr. Al Musallam "I will take no payment, either through salary or other compensation, for any of my work with FINA"
— FINA (@fina1908) June 6, 2021
Relive the best moments of the FINA General Congress held yesterday in Doha.
#waterisourworld pic.twitter.com/0CwuWeKnPl
Mr Al Musallam also proposed the nomination of Dr Maglione as FINA Honorary Life President. The Congress approved this proposal, and the immediate FINA President joins Mr Mustapha Larfaoui, also FINA Honorary Life President (since 2009, after 21 years in the FINA presidency)
Immediately after his election, Mr Al Musallam made a short meeting of the new Bureau where he nominated the new FINA Executive Director, Mr Brent Nowicki (USA)
New FINA Executive Director Mr. Brent Nowicki (USA) on stage "I pledge my commitment to work with and for our athletes"
— FINA (@fina1908) June 6, 2021
Relive the best moments of the FINA General Congress held yesterday in Doha, Qatar.#waterisourworld pic.twitter.com/96ZrE2GPRQ
IOC president Thomas Back was also remotely present at the FINA General Congress with a video message. Look at this extract:
IOC President Thomas Bach speaking at the FINA General Congress held yesterday in Doha, Qatar.
— FINA (@fina1908) June 6, 2021
Here is an extract of his speech to the FINA family
1/2 @Olympics pic.twitter.com/klUb8nf34X
Mr Al Musallam concluded his speech presenting few approvals after the first Bureau meeting under his presidency:
- The Raise of prize money for athletes in 2021 for a value of US$ 2.4 million
- The approval of the creation of a Reform Committee (presided by François Carrard), and respective sub-committees
- The approval of Memorandum of Understanding with four universities for a programme of education and training for FINA athletes
- Confirmation of the By-Laws establishing the procedure for the Athletes Committee election in May 2022
All other approved points on the agenda of the Congress can be find here