World Aquatics adopts bylaw against doping enablers

World Aquatics has adopted a new bylaw aimed at protecting sport from doping, swimming's global governing body announced Tuesday following a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Nic Fink (C) of Team the United States competes during the mixed 4X100m medley relay final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

"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," World Aquatics said in a statement.

The bylaw is widely seen as a direct response to the Enhanced Games, which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, United States, in May 2026.

The event allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without testing, and World Aquatics confirmed that athletes who participate will face bans. "People, organizations and competitions that promote or enable doping have no place in aquatics," the organization stated.

"Those who enable doped sport are not welcome at World Aquatics or our events," said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam in the statement. "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."

World Aquatics added that its Bureau will make decisions regarding ineligibility on a case-by-case basis.