Attention all swimmers and stakeholders! A crucial deadline is approaching in a legal battle that could impact the future of professional swimming. The clock is ticking for those involved in the FINA lawsuit, and it's time to take action!
A settlement administrator has been appointed to handle the complex case of Shields, et al. v. Federation Internationale de Natation, and they are now accepting objections from class members. This lawsuit, led by Tom Shields and Katinka Hosszu, has been a long and winding road, but a significant development is upon us.
The global swimming governing body, now known as World Aquatics, has agreed to a $4.6 million settlement. This sum will be divided between the athletes who participated in the International Swimming League (ISL) and those affected by the cancellation of the 2018 ISL precursor event. A substantial portion, $1,127,084, is earmarked for the 2018 Damages Settlement Class, while the remaining $3.5 million goes to the 2019 Damages Settlement Class.
But here's where it gets controversial... The league's ownership and management have been driving this legal action, and now athletes have until December 30, 2025, to voice their objections. Verita Global has been entrusted with managing this settlement, and it's crucial for athletes to understand their rights and potential benefits.
The lawsuit alleges that World Aquatics (formerly FINA) restricted athletes from competing in outside events and threatened sanctions, impacting the ISL's ability to attract top talent. The cancellation of the 2018 Energy for Swim meet in Turin is a key point of contention, with swimmers claiming they lost out on appearance fees and prize money.
The ISL ran for three seasons, but its fourth season was abruptly canceled due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Many athletes are still awaiting their promised payouts, and the league's financial troubles are well-documented.
In a recent development, the ISL has sued its former law firm, Farella Braun + Martel, accusing them of negligence and unfair practices in their antitrust case against World Aquatics. This adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate legal battle.
And this is the part most people miss... The distribution of settlement funds is not yet clear, but we do have a roster of athletes who competed in the 2019 season, which provides a glimpse into who might benefit. A total of 251 swimmers scored points that year, and a simple equal-share distribution could result in approximately $14,000 per athlete. However, named plaintiffs Shields and Hosszu are likely to receive a larger share.
The settlement also includes an injunction that ensures World Aquatics' rules will not restrict or penalize swimmers' participation in professional events, sanctioned or not. This is a significant win for professional swimmers and a step towards a more open and competitive future for the sport.
As the deadline looms, athletes are encouraged to review their estimated payment amounts and consider their options. The full terms of the settlement and injunctive relief are available on the settlement website, SwimmerSettlement.com, and will also be posted on World Aquatics' website.
This case has been a rollercoaster, and it's important to stay informed and engaged. Don't miss out on this opportunity to have your voice heard and potentially receive compensation. The future of professional swimming is at stake, and it's time to take action!
Are you an athlete affected by these events? What are your thoughts on the settlement and its potential impact? We'd love to hear your opinions and insights in the comments below!
