FINA Officially Responds to Italian Swimming Federation; Softens Stance -- May 24, 2009

ROME, Italy, May 24.
AS previously reported, the Italian Swimming Federation stated that it would allow swimmers to use suits not on the FINA approved lists at its upcoming national championships. At that time, news came out from within FINA that the World Championship hosts could be at jeopardy of suspension from competing at Worlds if the national governing body flouted FINA's rules. FINA, however, has since softened its stance according to a press release from the Italian Swimming Federation. According to an article posted on Italy's web site, FINA sent the governing body a letter stating its case regarding the Italian Championships.

FINA explained that Italy had full authority regarding its own selection procedures, but that any world-record times swum in unapproved suits would not be ratified. Meanwhile, European records would be under the authority of the European Swimming League (LEN). LEN has yet to make a statement regarding its stance on the issue. Press release in Italian on Italian Swimming Federation web site.