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'This is rotten': Swimming savaged over 'p*ss weak' Russia response

chris young
Sports Reporter
·5-min read
IN the wake of the Vladimir Putin-led Russian invasion of Ukraine, swimming's governing body FINA has refused to cancel two world championship events scheduled to be held in Russia later this year. Pictures: Getty Images
IN the wake of the Vladimir Putin-led Russian invasion of Ukraine, swimming's governing body FINA has refused to cancel two world championship events scheduled to be held in Russia later this year. Pictures: Getty Images

FINA, the international governing body for swimming, has come under fierce criticism after it decided against relocating two major championships set to take place in Russia later this year.

The sporting world has largely condemned Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, which has come after months of denials from president Vladimir Putin.

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The invasion has sparked a global outcry against the Russian government and international support for the people of Ukraine, with many citizens taking up arms to defend themselves from ground troops.

A litany of sanctions has been placed on Russia and its citizens in the days since the invasion, while the sporting world has also made its disapproval known.

Formula One took the step of cancelling this year's Russian Grand Prix in the wake of aggression against Ukraine, while UEFA has moved the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris.

In contrast though, FINA says it will wait and see how the situation in Ukraine develops before committing to moving the world junior championships and world short course championships, planned for August and December this year.

The organising body has cancelled water polo and diving events scheduled to take place in Russia, but stopped short of moving the other major events.

“FINA is deeply concerned by the conflict in Ukraine,” FINA posted on Twitter.

“We remain committed to the development of peaceful understanding through international sport.

“We are aware of the concerns of our Aquatics community, competition schedule remains under constant review. Updates will be provided.”

This drew fierce criticism from many swimmers and sporting fans, and a follow-up some time later did nothing to ease the condemnation.

FINA reiterated it was listening to competitors and working towards a 'safe' environment, denouncing the invasion of Ukraine - but still not committing to changing the venue.

“While continuing to hold the view that sport should remain politically neutral, FINA condemns all acts of aggression and is extremely concerned by the escalation of conflict in Ukraine,” it said in a later statement.

“All athletes, including those preparing for the 19th FINA world championships Budapest 2022, deserve to feel safe in their training and competitive environment, and importantly, to be heard.

“FINA pledges to provide whatever practical support it can give to any member of our Aquatic family impacted by this situation.”

FINA President Husain Al-Musallam, pictured here at the international forum 'Russia Country of Sports' in 2021.
FINA President Husain Al-Musallam at the international forum 'Russia Country of Sports' in 2021. (Photo by Yegor Aleyev\TASS via Getty Images)

Fans furious over FINA's non-committal Russia stance

FINA's decision to wait and see what would unfold in Eastern Europe, rather than make a statement condemning aggression against the citizens of Ukraine, was met with fierce criticism on social media.

Many fans felt as though it was a weak position for the governing body to take, particularly given neither of the events are facing time pressure to be moved.

FINA's longstanding relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin was a bone of contention for many.

Putin was awarded the FINA Order back in 2014, as a thank you from the organisation for his efforts to host events in Russia, with the world championships held one year later in Kazan.

The Russian president was personally thanked by FINA for his support.

“The personal involvement of President Putin in this area greatly contributes to strengthen the fraternity between nations, improve the lifestyle and education of the youth in Russia and promote a healthier society, in a spirit of peace and friendship”, FINA said at the time.

FINA's refusal to take more concrete action in support of Ukrainian citizens left fans on Twitter outraged.

FINA's statement contrasted with that of Formula One, who first declared they would monitor the situation in Russia and Ukraine earlier in the week, before later announcing that a decision had been made to cancel the grand prix.

In a statement, F1 declared that a race in Russia under current circumstances was untenable.

“The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together,” the statement read.

“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.

“On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”

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