Unrecognized swim groups can’t join PSI events

The Philippine Swimming Inc. (PSI) has been barred from engaging in any kind of dealings with swim organizations not recognized by the International Swimming Federation (Fina).

Fina executive director Cornel Marculescu recently sent a memorandum to inform the 209 national federations under its wings, including the PSI, not to enter in a “relationship” with said groups.
Marculescu also pointed out that results of tournaments without Fina sanction will be considered invalid.

“Recently, Fina has been aware of a so-called international competition International Swimming League which Fina does not recognize,” said Marculescu.

The memo from the Fina headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, also stated that clockings and records generated by the International Swimming League would not be honored by the aquatics’ world governing body.

“For the sake of clarification, the International Swimming League is neither recognized by nor affiliated to Fina. Further, Fina has neither sanctioned the competitions organized by this entity, nor approved their sanction by other Fina bodies,” said Marculescu.

“Consequently, the competitions of the International Swimming League are not Fina sanctioned nor Fina approved. They are not part of the international calendar. The results and records achieved in these competitions are not and will not be recognized,” Marculescu added.

According to Fina Rule GR 4.1, national member federations are prohibited from entering in “any kind of relationship with a non-affiliated body.”

Former national swimmer Ral Rosario, who claims to head the PSI, recently joined hands with top officials of the Philippine Swimming League (PSL) in a “unification meeting” in the sport.

They failed to invite PSI president Lani Velasco, whose leadership got the blessings of Fina.
Velasco’s leadership was confirmed by Fina and Marculescu in a letter to the local swimming association more than three months ago.