Abu dhabi: World Aquatics has been ranked among the leading International Federations in world sport, achieving A1 status in the Sixth Review of International Federation Governance published by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).
According to Emirates News Agency, the ASOIF Governance Review serves as the most established benchmark for governance standards across the Olympic Movement. Conducted by ASOIF's Governance Task Force, the review assesses all summer Olympic International Federations against a framework that includes transparency, integrity, democracy, development and solidarity, and control mechanisms. The aim is to promote a culture of good governance and drive continuous improvement across sport.
For World Aquatics, the A1 placement marks a steady climb from Group C in the 2019-2020 review, to A2 in 2024, and now into the top category in 2026. This progress reflects an extensive programme of reform initiated in 2021 to strengthen accountability, transparency, and athlete protection within the organisation. Key developments have included the creation of the independent Aquatics Integrity Unit, the adoption of a new Integrity Code, significant constitutional reform, strengthened safeguarding measures, fuller financial transparency, and continued progress on gender equity and athlete representation.
Beyond governance structures, World Aquatics has expanded its investment in athletes and communities through its Development programmes, including the launch of Discover Water. In 2025, these initiatives provided US$10.1 million in prize money for elite athletes, while support programmes benefited 216,131 athletes from 181 Member Federations, extending the positive impact of aquatic sport to hundreds of millions of people globally.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam stated that the result reflected the trust the organisation has worked to earn across the aquatics community. President Al Musallam emphasized that governance was not merely a box-ticking exercise but a commitment to building an organisation that athletes, Member Federations, and partners could rely on, necessitating changes in operations.
President Al Musallam credited the achievement of A1 status to the efforts of many individuals across the sport over the past five years. He noted the strengthening of structures, introduction of genuine independence in key areas, financial openness, and prioritization of athlete welfare and integrity in decision-making processes.
He also reaffirmed that the A1 rating is a recognition, not the finish line, and that good governance is a continuous practice that involves listening, accountability, and an ongoing quest for improvement. This commitment underscores World Aquatics' standing among the best-governed International Federations and highlights its dedication to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in sport worldwide.