World Aquatics Bans Doping Enablers in Response to Enhanced Games

World Aquatics, the international governing body for water sports, announced on Tuesday a new bylaw targeting those who enable doping. This makes them the first international sports federation to ban athletes, coaches, and officials from their events if they participate in the controversial Enhanced Games.

The new bylaw prohibits individuals who support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace practices potentially involving prohibited substances or methods. These individuals will be ineligible to hold positions within World Aquatics or participate in any of its competitions, events, or activities. The decision was made following a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

This bylaw is a direct response to the Enhanced Games, which is planned for May 2026 in Las Vegas, U.S. The Enhanced Games openly encourages doping and claims that sport will be safer without doping controls. This has sparked significant controversy within the global sports community and has been widely condemned.

World Aquatics President Husain al Musallam stated that those who enable doped sport are not welcome at their events. The new bylaw aims to protect the integrity of competitions, the health and safety of athletes, and the credibility of the global aquatics community.

The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) has also voiced strong opposition to the Enhanced Games, urging the global sports community to reject the event. They called on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to take action against the Games.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has also condemned the Enhanced Games, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible concept. WADA emphasizes that the health and well-being of athletes is their top priority and that the Games would jeopardize this. WADA highlighted the serious long-term side effects and potential fatalities associated with the use of performance-enhancing drugs.