Swim meet canceled after FINA's threat to ban athletes
GENEVA -- Amid growing conflict between swimmers and their world governing body, an international swimming meet was canceled on Thursday after threats to ban athletes who took part seeking better prize money.
The Italian swim federation called off the Dec. 20-21 competition it was organizing in Turin, saying it acted to protect athletes from FINA.
The Turin meet was linked to a proposed International Swimming League, a privately run operation that aims to operate outside of FINA's control and pay higher prize money.
"FINA declared the event 'non-approved,' threatening sanctions against the participating athletes," Italian officials said in a statement.
FINA, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some Olympic champions have long criticized FINA, believing swimmers should be better rewarded, have more say in decisions and could create their own union.
