The World Aquatic Sports Commission will announce a decision on the possible admission of Russians later in 2023

World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam said the Russians and Belarusians admission commission will make a decision on whether to admit this year.

Previously, it had been reported that the committee’s findings would be heard in July, but that did not happen at the July 14 bureau meeting.

— Leadership always involves making tough decisions. The question of the admission of Russians is one of the most difficult. I always do my best to listen and see different points of view. World Aquatics had a specific position on this issue – we did not invite Russians and Belarusians. In April, I asked the Board to authorize Maureen Cruz to lead a working group (on this issue). She and her team are doing a great job, a lot has been done and I am grateful to them. They’re asking for stakeholder input, they’re asking for athlete input on this, many have expressed it, and if they haven’t spoken to the task force, I recommend that they do, because it’s important to hear as much input as possible on this issue.

The task force will draw conclusions and report back later this year, Husain Al-Musallam said.

The Russians have been suspended from participating in competitions under the auspices of World Aquatics amid the situation in Ukraine.