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10 February 2026
The latest partnership will further strengthen the independence of World Aquatics’ anti-doping program by delegating additional clean sport services to the ITA.
Under the new agreement, the ITA will now also review decisions from National Anti-Doping Organisations, in line with the recommendation of the World Aquatics Anti-Doping Audit Review Committee.
Additionally, the ITA will manage long-term storage of more than 400 samples per year, with the capability to re-analyse them for 10 years. This will ensure that advances in detection methods can be applied retrospectively.
The activities will be in addition to the comprehensive services already provided by the ITA, including managing World Aquatics’ risk assessment and test distribution planning, the implementation of the federation’s out-of-competition testing program, in-competition testing, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) administration, the administration of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) applications, and the management of World Aquatics’ Registered Testing Pool (RTP).
The partnership ensures that at least 3,000 out-of-competition tests will be conducted in 2028 before the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, underscoring World Aquatics’ determination to protect clean athletes on aquatic sports’ biggest stages.
“The extension of our partnership with the ITA reflects World Aquatics’ unwavering commitment to clean sport,” World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said. “The ITA has been an invaluable partner since 2019, and this renewed agreement will help us continue to protect the rights of clean athletes and maintain public confidence in the integrity of aquatic sports.
“The expanded services under this new agreement will help ensure that the field of play is equal for all athletes and demonstrate World Aquatics’ commitment to staying at the forefront of the fight against doping.”
ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen said: “We are honoured by the continued trust that World Aquatics places in the ITA. This enhanced collaboration demonstrates that independent, professional anti-doping programmes are essential for protecting athletes and upholding integrity in sport. We look forward to continuing our work with World Aquatics to ensure that athletes in aquatic sports can compete on a level playing field.”
World Aquatics first partnered with the ITA in January 2019, becoming one of the first major Olympic Federations to professionalise its anti-doping program further and increase independent implementation.
The extension of the partnership follows years of successful collaboration between World Aquatics and the ITA. Earlier initiatives have included innovative efforts, such as the media tour conducted during the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, which provided unprecedented access to the anti-doping control process.
