World Aquatics has adopted a new Bylaw that reinforces its steadfast commitment to clean sport. Under the new Bylaw, individuals who support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods will not be eligible to hold positions with World Aquatics or to participate in any World Aquatics competitions, events, or other activities. This ineligibility would apply to roles such as athlete, coach, team official, administrator, medical support staff, or government representative.
The World Aquatics Bureau approved the Bylaw during its meeting on 3 June 2025. The measure takes immediate effect.
This new Bylaw clearly affirms World Aquatics' position: people, organisations and competitions that promote or enable doping have no place in aquatics. "Those who enable doped sport are not welcome at World Aquatics or our events," said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam. "This new Bylaw ensures that we can continue to protect the integrity of our competitions, the health and safety of our athletes, and the credibility of the global aquatics community."
The World Aquatics Bureau will make decisions regarding ineligibility on a case-by-case basis.
World Aquatics Member Federations are also encouraged to adopt similar policies at the national level to uphold consistent standards across the sport.
The new World Aquatics Bylaw can be found here.