World Aquatics threatens to remove Swimming Australia’s membership amid governance issues

World Aquatics has delivered a damning threat to Swimming Australia after expressing concerns about multiple governance issues.

FUKUOKA, JAPAN - JULY 30: Sam Short of Team Australia competes in the Men's 1500m Freestyle Final on day eight of the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A on July 30, 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

World Aquatics has threatened to remove Swimming Australia’s membership after the sport’s global governing body expressed concerns about multiple governance issues.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, World Aquatics has contacted Swimming Australia about its constitution and governance concerns, including a void in the roles of athletes in decision-making and problems with the organisation’s Constitution.

World Aquatics warned that Swimming Australia could face losing its global membership if changes aren’t made within the next month.

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“Swimming Australia must take steps to broaden its membership base to make it more representative and inclusive of its athletes,” World Aquatics told Swimming Australia in a letter obtained by the News Corp publication.

“With this, we urgently request that you present a corrective action plan to the World Aquatics Bureau within 30 days with an aim towards completing such plan within 90 days.”

If Swimming Australia’s members don’t vote on adopting a new constitution, its athletes could potentially be forced to compete under a neutral flag at international events.

Kaylee McKeown, Abbey Harkin, Emma McKeon and Mollie O'Callaghan. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

If Swimming Australia’s members don’t vote on adopting a new constitution, its athletes could potentially be forced to compete under a neutral flag at international events.

The threat of expulsion comes after the Dolphins swim team topped the gold medal tally at last month’s world titles in Japan. Meanwhile, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are less than 12 months away.

Swimming Australia has endured revolving door of leaders since Mark Anderson stepped down as chief executive in 2017.

Eugenie Buckley, Leigh Russell and Alex Baumann have each served in the role, while Tracy Stockwell was removed as Swimming Australia President last year.

Originally published as World Aquatics threatens to remove Swimming Australia’s membership amid governance issues