In recent months, the Aquatics Integrity Unit of World Aquatics has imposed strict penalties on several officials who have breached their code of conduct. The most recent case involved Marcos Jara, the former president of the Chilean Federation of Aquatics Sport, who was given a 20-year ban. This decision was made after an investigation found that Jara had submitted altered invoices and false information to World Aquatics in 2020 and 2021 with the intention of misappropriating funds through the Olympic Aquatics Support Program.
Jara managed to acquire an additional $50,000 USD through these deceptive practices before an investigation was launched. On August 25, 2023, Jara was provisionally charged and the official ban will be in effect until August 25, 2043, following its formal enactment in March. During this period, Jara is barred from engaging in any aquatic-related activities on behalf of World Aquatics or any recognized body. He has also been ordered to repay the misappropriated funds by paying a fine of $50,000.
This ban comes as part of World Aquatics’ efforts to maintain high standards of integrity and ethics in the sporting community. It serves as a reminder that any form of dishonesty or unethical behavior will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences. In addition to Jara’s case, several other officials have also been banned by World Aquatics for similar offenses.
Before his ban, Jara served as the president of the Chilean Federation of Aquatics Sport from 2019 to 2021. His actions have set a negative example for others in the sporting community and serve as a reminder that integrity and ethics are crucial for maintaining public trust in sports organizations.
