SLASU vs FINA- unrecognised to be recognised
Amidst all and sundry’s understanding that Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) is unrecognised by the FINA world swimming body, it’s president, Dr. Husain Al-Musallam, on an official sojourn stay landed a denial that SLASU is not slapped by any ban, whereas, it is only an election and an administration-related issue.
“First of all, we did not ban the swimming association. Their voting is normal. But there is an issue. It’s related to so many things. Related to the law, constitution and election. But it is not banned. We don’t suspend federations,” he told reporters last morning at the National Olympic Committee (NOC).
The only thing is the constitution, they are working with SLASU and with the relevant authority.
Dr. Husain Al-Musallam
“No, there is no ban. It is only an administrative matter. The federation is recognised,” Al-Musallam, also the Director General of Olympic of Asia, reiterated.
Akry Ameer, an ex-Secretary of SLASU himself, also present at the press conference as part of the audience, raised the clarification, though it has been widely labelled as a – ban – but it is not actually. However, only an administrative procedure in the recognition of the elected committee.
“So, because of the sports law, the previous committee continues to handle the administration with FINA and both committees work together. In fact, even in Abu Dhabi (the last world championship late last year) worked together and submitted a team’s participation. We have been continuously doing that throughout this period,” Ameer clarified.
“It was an installation of an interim committee of a previous sports minister for reasons better to known to minister”. “Sri Lanka is participating at all swimming competitions. If it is banned, you can’t participate,” NOC’s secretary-general, Maxwell De Silva, raised and reminded.
The exact problem though has been a matter concerning conducting the elections. This is because FINA does not accept if there is an interference from the government or political on the grounds of an election. Neither does the NOC, he added. The above was also backed by SLASU’s current President Nethru Nanayakkara, also present at the event as the right resort.
He speaking to the Sunday Times said the then-sports minister Faiszer Mushthapha, while a new executive committee was in place, against everyone’s advise went on to appoint an interim committee. Such committees are not entertained by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) nor by the FINA. It applies to any sport.
“FINA deems the previous president in that position and not me,” he proclaimed.
Responding to the Sunday Times on how it would be rectified Nanayakkara said NOC President Suresh Subramanian will talk to the FINA president and is supposed to notify the former.