No entity can select the members of the Philippine swimming team to the 30th Southeast Asian Games other than the local swim body recognized by the International Swimming Federation (Fina).
Philippine Swimming Inc. officers on Friday instructed the PSI general membership not to entertain groups that falsely announced an open tryouts for the national team.
“It has come to our attention that a group led by Eric Buhain and Carlos Brosas have announced open tryouts for participation in the swimming competitions of the Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines later this year,” the memorandum issued by the PSI Board of Trustees read.
“They also claimed to have opened online registration for participation in these tryouts claiming to represent Philippine Swimming Inc.,” added the statement circulated to all registered PSI members nationwide.
The duly elected PSI officers, led by president Lani Velasco, vehemently denounced the misrepresentation since Buhain and Brosas are not members of the association also recognized by the Asian Swimming Federation (AASF).
“Participation in the Southeast Asian Games swimming competition can only be achieved under the auspices of the PSI, AASF and Fina,” the memorandum stated.
Fina executive director Cornel Marculescu and president Dr. Julio Maglione as well as the AASF through secretary general Taha Al-Kishry have recognized Velasco’s election
POC membership committee chair Robert Bachmann likewise affirmed that the Olympic body supports the PSI.