CAS rejects “mixing” in water sports… Muslims champion values and equal opportunities in water sports

The president of the International Aquatics Federation (IAAF), Captain Hussein Al-Musallam, championed the values and equal opportunities in the sport after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) unanimously rejected the appeal filed by Ms. Leah Thomas against the IAAF's policies and regulations regarding the eligibility and inclusion of men and women in competitive categories. This confirms that the IAAF's general policies and regulations, as adopted and implemented, remain valid and will continue to be applied in all World Aquatics Championships. The International Aquatics Federation (IAAF) remains committed to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, respect, and equal opportunities for athletes of all genders, and to preserving women's achievements. Commenting on the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision, IAAF President Captain Husain Al-Musallam said: "We must protect the rights of our athletes in competitions, but we must also protect the fairness of competition in our sporting events, especially the rights of women in IAAF competitions." He continued, "Our policies and practices are constantly being evaluated to ensure they align with these fundamental values in society, and we remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support the principles of inclusivity in aquatic sports." Al-Musallam added, "We are confident that our policies represent a fair approach." Ms. Leah Thomas transitioned from male to female during high school. The International Swimming Federation's (FINA) policy was approved at its General Assembly meeting on July 20, 2022, following the formation of specialized medical, legal, and human rights committees, and with the participation of world champion female swimmers. A detailed presentation was given to the General Assembly regarding the participation of men who have transitioned to women in women's races. President Hussein Al-Musallam asked the General Assembly, after the committees' presentations, to vote on the policy if it was fair to women and aimed at preserving the achievements women have made in sports over the past 100 years. Al-Musallam explained during the General Assembly meeting that he always learns from advanced Western countries in upholding women's rights and their participation in sports and work within society, in accordance with the principle of justice and equality between men and women.