World Aquatics bypassed the Congress of Nations to pass regulations on change of nationality that are no longer in tune with the Olympic Charter and remove 'sports nationality' status from most junior athletes.

The global swimming federation's executive reduced the waiting period for switching countries from three years to just 12 months in a decision taken last December.

The new rules, along with several other significant changes to eligibility conditions, came into force on March 1 with neither fanfare nor announcement, nor the awareness nor agreement of key stakeholders in the sport.

A new section of the World Aquatics "Competition Regulations" states that 'sport nationality' is only established after a swimmer turns 18, unless they have already been selected in their youth to race for a nation at any of the four biggest global events for seniors and juniors.

Those juniors who have competed in a designated 'international event', including recognised local and regional meets with athletes from more than one nation (regardless of whether they are racing for country or club), are deemed to have no 'sports nationality' until "after reaching the age of 18".

See below for:

• The full details of a wholescale rewriting of the rules on sports nationality - and the World Aquatics answer to SOS in full
• How a European Junior champion funded by his/her nation for years could be free to compete for a new nation from their 18th birthday
• Why stakeholders want clarity and an explanation of why the matter has been handled without full consultation, due transparency and announcement
• Why stakeholders are concerned that the rule changes open up the prospect of a swimming transfer market in which funded juniors can become prey to the "highest bidder" outside the country of origin.