Lebanese Swimming Federation’s General Secretary Faces Provisional Suspension by World Aquatics

The World Aquatics Integrity Unit has temporarily suspended the Secretary General of the Lebanese Swimming Federation, Farid Abi Raad.

The AQIU states that the suspension was “due to a possible breach of Articles 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 9.9 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code.”

“This decision was made to maintain public trust in the integrity of aquatics and to ensure the safety of Federation officials,” the statement adds.

The referenced sections of the World Aquatics Integrity Code are ambiguous and do not provide significant insights regarding the allegations against Abi Raad.

From the Integrity Code:

5.1 Covered Persons must always conduct themselves honestly, fairly, impartially, and in alignment with the utmost ethical standards of integrity and transparency.

5.2 Covered Persons should eschew any conduct that contradicts or undermines the objectives of this Integrity Code.

5.3 Covered Persons should refrain from acts or omissions that may suggest impropriety or that defame World Aquatics or that risk bringing (or have the potential to bring) World Aquatics, Aquatics and/or sport in general into disrepute.

9.9 Covered Persons must not exploit their role within Aquatics in any manner, particularly for their own goals or objectives.

The suspension prohibits him from occupying any role within World Aquatics or any World Aquatics Member Federation, including the Lebanese Swimming Federation, or from engaging in any aquatic-related activities and/or events.

Abi Raad was formerly a member of the FINA Masters Committee.

The formal letter from the AQIU indicates that Abi Raad has been accused by an official within the Lebanese Federation of issuing threats, including attempts to influence decisions concerning training programs and the selection of swimmers in Lebanon. He has until January 3, 2025, to formally address the allegations against him.

The announcement was issued shortly following the conclusion of the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest, where Lebanese swimmers set national records in eight events. Abi Raad has been part of Lebanon’s official delegation at several recent championships, including the one in Budapest.

Overall, the country’s swimmers established records in 28 events in 2024.