Swimming Australia President Chris Fydler facing World Aquatics suspension

Swimming Australia’s difficulties with World Aquatics are reported to have arisen again with President Chris Fydler understood to be facing a possible suspension pending an investigation by the global governing body's integrity unit.

The investigations by the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) relates to Swimming Australia’s nomination for executives on the board of World Aquatics.

While no confirmation of this has come from World Aquatics, a statement released this afternoon by Swimming Australia - Swimming Australia Board stands by President Chris Fydler over allegations made by World Aquatics - advised that Fydler will "deny and defend recent allegations" made by AQIU.

Australasian Leisure Management understands that the dispute relates to a decision by Fydler to request a revote on Swimming Australia’s renomination of Matt Dunn (currently Vice President of World Aquatics, President of Oceania Aquatics, a Board member of Swimming Australia and a former teammate of Fydler’s) to the executive board of World Aquatics.

As it transpired the vote was unnecessary as Dunn was already backed by other national federations in Oceania and remains eligible to stand for re-election to the World Aquatics executive at its vote in Singapore later this month.

Dunn is seen as being likely to secure another four-year term on the World Aquatics board with Australian sources suggesting he could become the international federation’s next President when current postholder Husain Al Musallam steps down before the Brisbane 2032 Games.

A qualified lawyer, Fydler (pictured) was a member of the 4x100 metre relay team that won the gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

He was appointed as Swimming Australia President in May after serving as interim Chair.