Following a meeting in Lausanne, FINA's ruling Bureau have all but confirmed the decision to approve Kosovo's membership after making a unanimous declaration regarding the participation of National Federations in its events.

The FINA Bureau declared that "FINA does not tolerate any form of political motivation to justify the non-participation in our events, as this is clearly incompatible with the FINA Rules, the Olympic Charter, the Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly and the values of Aquatic sport".

The declaration strongly leans towards Kosovo's membership being accepted despite political opposition, with FINA confirming to insidethegames that the question of Kosovan membership had been discussed at the meeting and stated that information on the issue would be available shortly.

FINA would become the latest governing body to formally approve Kosovo's membership, two months after the International Olympic Committee approved their application for full membership at the Monte Carlo Session, in December.

Following the IOC's decision FINA told insidethegames in December that Kosovo "is likely to become a full member before the European Games in Baku," to be held from June 12 to 28.

Kosovan swimmers could be set to compete at the European Games in Baku and the FINA World Championships in Kazan later this year if they are granted membership in time
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However, it was unclear whether they would be likely to compete at the following month's FINA World Championships in Kazan, with the host nation Russia remaining vehemently opposed to Kosovo's independence and its bid to become a member of the United Nations.

The Bureau's declaration made reference to FINA's Constitutional Rule C 8.2.7 which states the rights of its members "to participate in international Aquatics Competitions especially in the FINA World Championships and other FINA competitions," meaning that Kosovo would be entitled to compete when their membership is formalised.

Various governing bodies have accepted Kosovo following the IOC's decision, including the International Gymnastics Federation, the World Karate Federation and United World Wrestling, while the International Cycling Union are taking steps to follow suit.

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