World Aquatics Steps In to Manage Tunisian Swimming Federation Amidst Flag Controversy

The World Aquatics governing body has appointed a stabilization committee to temporarily manage the Tunisian Swimming Federation after its leaders and anti-doping officials were arrested over a controversy involving the covering of the Tunisian flag.

The incident occurred last Friday at the Rades Olympic pool in Tunis, where the Tunisian flag was covered in response to sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The sanctions had banned the display of the Tunisian flag at competitions due to the country's non-compliance with the revised global anti-doping code introduced in 2021.

Tunisian President Kais Saied reacted strongly to the flag covering, describing it as an 'act of aggression.' He visited the pool, raised the flag, and sang the national anthem. Saied declared, 'Tunisia comes before the Olympic Committee and before any other committees.'

Following the incident, the Tunisian youth and sports ministry dissolved the swimming federation board and dismissed the head of the Tunisian anti-doping agency (ANAD) along with a sports official based in Ben Arous. Nine officials, including the heads of the Tunisian Swimming Federation and ANAD, were arrested and face charges such as 'attack on the flag of Tunisia' and 'plot against the internal security' of the state.

The World Aquatics governing body has stepped in to ensure the stability and proper governance of the Tunisian Swimming Federation. The stabilization committee, chaired by Mohamed Zribi, will oversee the federation's daily operations, amend its constitution, and organize new elections within six months.

In a statement, World Aquatics emphasized that the stabilization committee is activated 'in the best interests of all Tunisian athletes' and will ensure the federation adheres to 'the highest standards of good governance and transparency.'

The controversy began when WADA sanctioned ANAD and imposed a ban on the display of the Tunisian flag at competitions. This led to the federation covering the flag during the championship, which sparked outrage from President Saied.

WADA has expressed 'deep concern' over the arrest of the ANAD director general, calling for his 'immediate and unconditional release from custody, as well as the dropping of any charges made against him pertaining to this.'

The stabilization committee aims to restore order and transparency within the Tunisian Swimming Federation, ensuring that the federation can operate effectively and in compliance with international standards.

Key Takeaways

• World Aquatics appoints stabilization committee to manage Tunisian Swimming Federation.
• Tunisian officials arrested over flag controversy, face charges including "attack on the flag".
• Committee to oversee daily operations, amend constitution, and organize new elections within 6 months.
• WADA sanctioned Tunisia for non-compliance with anti-doping code, leading to flag ban.
• WADA calls for immediate release of arrested ANAD director general and dropping of charges.