World Aquatics (formerly FINA) has agreed to pay over $4.6 million in damages to top swimmers, including Olympic champions Tom Shields, Michael Andrew, and Katinka Hosszu, following a long-running legal dispute over blocked participation in the International Swimming League (ISL).
The case, originally filed in 2018, accused the governing body of anti-competitive behaviour after it threatened athletes with Olympic bans if they took part in the ISL’s Energy for Swim event. The legal team representing the swimmers argued that this cost athletes prize money and appearance fees, while violating U.S. antitrust law.
Although a U.S. court initially dismissed the case in 2023 due to jurisdiction issues, an appeal in 2024 allowed the case to move forward. World Aquatics has now settled, compensating affected swimmers for missed opportunities during the 2018 and 2019 ISL seasons.
President Husain Al Musallam said the settlement reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting athletes and moving past the disputes of the previous FINA leadership.
A separate antitrust case involving the controversial Enhanced Games remains ongoing.
