Egyptian Swimming Federation Under Scrutiny After Swimmer’s Death
The Egyptian Swimming Federation is facing major changes in the wake the death of a swimmer at the national under-12 championships in December in Cairo.
According to Reuters, the federation has been forced to appoint an interim committee to run the organization after the head of the federation and its board were removed last week. The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports has reached out to World Aquatics for interim guidance of the federation.
A swimmer named Youssef Mohamed Abdel Malek drowned during a meet on Dec. 2 at Cairo’s International Stadium swimming complex. Per reports from within the country, Malek’s body was not found until the start of the following race.
Yasser Idris, the head of the swimming federation and a member of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, has been ordered by public prosecutors to stand trial. Also referred for prosecution are the executive director of the swimming federation, its board, the director of the meet, its chief referee, other officials from the Al-Zohour Sporting Club and several lifeguards. All are accused of failure to do their duty in keeping Malek and other swimmers safe.
The Ministry of Youth Sports referred the matter to public prosecution following an investigation that included interviews with witnesses present and reviewing video footage of the incident.
In a statement, the swimming federation said it was halting all activities, “out of respect for public opinion and the family of Youssef Mohamed, pledging full compliance with court rulings and accountability for anyone found negligent.”
