Husain Al Musallam Re-elected World Aquatics President Unanimously; Headquarters Shifting to Budapest
In a unanimous decision during the World Aquatics General Congress held at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, two key officials of the organization were re-elected, followed by significant announcements regarding the future. Husain Al Musallam, hailing from Kuwait, will continue to serve as the President of World Aquatics, following his initial election two years ago during the Short Course World Championships in Doha. Meanwhile, Dale Neuburger, representing the United States, will retain his role as Treasurer.
After the official re-elections and formal endorsement by national federations, Al Musallam outlined several pivotal initiatives vital to the organization. Subsequently, he made a groundbreaking announcement that reverberated throughout the aquatic sports community—the relocation of the World Aquatics headquarters from Lausanne, Switzerland, to Budapest, Hungary. It's worth noting that certain vital initiatives, such as the Athletics Integrity Unit and World Aquatics Foundation, will continue to operate from their current base in Lausanne.
"The decision to relocate our headquarters is not one we've taken lightly. However, the new opportunities it will present for our athletes are crystal clear to everyone," Al Musallam emphasized. "The focal point of our new headquarters won't be administrative offices. It's all about our athletes—both those currently representing us and those who will carry the torch in the future. When you step inside our new facility, you won't find the president's office; instead, you'll encounter a world of water, outstanding training amenities, and top-notch accommodations tailored for our athletes."
During the Congress, a video presentation showcased renderings of the forthcoming headquarters, featuring a multitude of state-of-the-art training facilities catering to various aquatic sports. Al Musallam further elaborated that this facility would be conveniently located, just a five-minute walk from the Duna Arena, which has hosted the World Championships in 2017 and 2022 and is slated to be the venue for the prestigious event once again in 2027.
In his address, Al Musallam commended the achievements of his leadership within the organization, highlighting the establishment of an Aquatic Integrity Unit that operates independently to safeguard the interests of athletes and the sport at large. He emphasized the bolstering of anti-doping measures, with an expanded partnership with the international testing agency.
Addressing a significant international sports controversy, Al Musallam touched upon the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The President discussed the formation of a committee tasked with exploring possibilities for the inclusion of these affected athletes in World Aquatics events.
"World Aquatics has maintained a firm stance since the commencement of the conflict. We have refrained from extending invitations to athletes from Russia and Belarus for our competitions. In April, I proposed, and the bureau approved the appointment of Ms. Maureen Croes to chair a task force aimed at examining potential pathways for Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in our events," Al Musallam explained.
He continued, "Maureen and her team have been diligently engaging with all our stakeholders and groups here in Fukuoka. They have initiated a survey to collect athletes' views, and many of you have already provided your input and suggestions. If you haven't yet interacted with the task force, I strongly recommend that you do so. It's crucial that they gather insights from as many individuals as possible. Later this year, the task force will reach its conclusions, and we will, of course, communicate the outcomes to all of you."
Furthermore, Al Musallam addressed the matter of transgender swimmers' inclusion in the sport. He acknowledged that World Aquatics had already imposed strict limitations on the participation of transgender females in women's events and revealed ongoing efforts to introduce an Open category that would permit participation by all transgender athletes.
"I announced last year that we would establish a committee to implement an Open category," Al Musallam remarked. "The committee's work is ongoing and progressing admirably, and I am immensely grateful for their dedication. This is a complex subject, but I am pleased to inform you today that we are in the process of developing a plan for the inaugural trial of an Open category. We hope to share all the details soon. Our sport must remain inclusive for all."
Once again, congrats to President Husain Al Musallam.
