Swimming: FINA hammer falls on Putin, Russia and Belarus

By George Aluo

World swimming governing body, FINA, just like other world bodies,has taken further steps against Russia, no thanks to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

FINA which had before now cancelled all swimming events in Russia has decided to withdraw the honor bestowed on Putin in 2014.

FINA in a release also took further measures against Russia and their ally, Belarus.

Below is the FINA release…

“With Russian aggression continuing in Ukraine, the FINA Bureau has today made further decisions:

The FINA Order awarded to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014 has been withdrawn. 

Until further notice, no athlete or Aquatics official from Russia or Belarus be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags should be displayed or anthems should be played, in international Aquatics events which are not already part of the respective World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia.

FINA remains deeply concerned about the impact of the war on the aquatics community and the wider population of Ukraine. FINA will continue to carefully monitor the grave situation and make further decisions as appropriate.”