Enhanced Games will pay legal fees of clean athletes who compete

The president of the Enhanced Games has launched an extraordinary attack on World Aquatics, accusing the global swimming body of protecting a “monopoly” and resorting to “bullying tactics” after it moved to ban athletes, coaches and officials linked to the controversial breakaway event.

Earlier this week, World Aquatics passed a bylaw that renders anyone who supports or participates in competitions that embrace doping ineligible from all official roles in swimming or competing in major events, such as the world championships and Olympics.

The measure was brought in with immediate effect in an attempt to nullify the Enhanced Games – a controversial event that allows the use of performance-enhancing substances.

Enhanced Games president Dr Aron D’Souza has hit back, vowing to fund legal action for any clean athlete who wants to compete at the Enhanced Games and fight their ban, enforced by World Aquatics, in court.

“We will support any natural or enhanced athlete denied the option to make this choice – both by providing them with an opportunity to compete and win – or by providing legal support against World Aquatics in the case of any challenge,” D’Souza said.

“This ban isn’t about protecting athletes. It’s about protecting a monopoly. World Aquatics hasn’t paid its athletes for decades. Now, faced with real competition and real momentum, they’ve fallen back on threats and bullying tactics.

“Excellence should always be rewarded, and these exceptional athletes deserve exceptional compensation. We’ll continue to fight for all athletes to ensure they receive it.”

In a separate statement, the Enhanced Games said: “This isn’t the first time World Aquatics (formerly FINA) has tried to block progress. … At the [Paris] Olympics, even World Athletics offered prize money. World Aquatics and its President, Husain al Musallam, did not.”