FINA Statement on the Suspension of Member Associations by European Aquatics Confederation (LEN)

Today the FINA Bureau met to discuss a number of key topics. Amongst these was the constitutional issue within the European Aquatics Confederation (LEN).

The FINA Bureau is particularly concerned by the action taken by LEN on 6 November 2021, namely the exclusion of two member associations, Portugal and Croatia, for one year.

Following discussion within the FINA Bureau, and with the support of 6 independent legal opinions, the FINA Bureau voted to not recognise the actions taken by LEN for the following reasons:

1. The actions did not follow correct due process.

2. The actions were clearly politically motivated and driven by self interest.

3. The actions go against the ethos of the new FINA leadership which embraces inclusivity, equality, integrity and democracy.

With FINA’s determination, the Portugal and Croatia Federations shall maintain full rights of membership within LEN, including the right to attend with a voting right at forthcoming Extraordinary Elective Congress in Frankfurt, Germany on 5 February 2022, and the FINA Extraordinary Congress on 18 December 2021 Abu Dhabi (UAE).

 

FINA calls on LEN Bureau to apply fair and due process for all its acts now and in the future.

Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)

The Fédération Internationale de Natation, founded in 1908, is the governing body for aquatics worldwide. FINA's five discipline Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming - are all included in the Olympic programme. High Diving made its first appearance in FINA events at the 2013 FINA World Championships. FINA counts 209 affiliated National Federations on the five continents and has its headquarters in Lausanne (SUI).

 

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