The President of the Kosovo Swimming Federation, Agron Zeqiri, was suspended on Thursday by the International Federation of Water Sports (World Aquatics).
The decision to temporarily suspend Zeqir was taken by the Aquatics Integrity Unit, which is an independent unit of World Aquatics for maintaining the integrity of the sport.
On Thursday, Agron Zeqiri, the Kosovo Swimming Federation and other involved parties were notified of the decision.
Agron Zeqiri has been suspended for discrimination against Adell Shabovic, the swimmer who represented Kosovo at this year's Olympic Games, but also against Hana Beic. Hana also competed in the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Kosovo Swimming Federation has strongly opposed Shabović's appearance at the Olympic Games. But World Aquatics selected him, as he had the most points of the swimmers representing Kosovo. Shaboviqi lives in the USA, but comes from Peja.
Meanwhile, Hana Beiqi was not sent to the last two World Cups. The decision was made by the Kosovo Swimming Federation. This world excluded Hana from the appearance by invitation of universality at the Olympic Games and favored the daughter of the president of the FNK, Zeqiri. Meanwhile, the rule that required appearing in one of the last two world championships was removed and Beiqi was selected for the Olympics.
The decision against Zeqir is long, while it is filled with documents and evidence.
"The Chief of Ethics and Compliance of the Water Sports Integrity Unit (CECO), after reviewing and analyzing all relevant documentation, has decided to temporarily suspend you, given that the public's trust in the integrity of water sports is in danger. This temporary suspension comes into force from today and prohibits them from participating in any activity related to water sports, on behalf of World Aquatics, or the continental organization and member of World Aquatics or a recognized body," the decision reads. for Agro Zeqir.
The body that made the decision has officially accused Zeqiri of several violations, for which the measures range from reprimand to lifelong exclusion.
The Water Sports Integrity Unit, which made the decision to suspend, has proposed that the punishment for the president of the Kosovo Swimming Federation be a four-year suspension from all swimming activities and a fine of 25 dollars.
This proposal will actually become a decision if Zeqiri does not respond by September 20. The head of the FNK can accept the charge and sanctions, or accept the charge and contest the punishment. In this case, the decision is taken by a judicial body. Zeqiri can also deny the accusations and in such a case the decision belongs to the judicial body.
"If you do not respond within the specified period, it will be considered that you have accepted the punishment and the sanctions will be applied", writes at the end of the letter which was signed by Marc Cavaliero, head of Ethics and Compliance in the Water Sports Integrity Unit .
The Kosovo Swimming Federation had also accused the World Federation in several cases. There have been many dissatisfactions with the Kosovo Olympic Committee.
However, Shabovic and Beiqi appeared at the Olympic Games and now the decision was made to suspend the president of the FNK.
