Extremely rare: the International Rowing Federation (World Rowing) has suspended one of its member countries. The sanction hits Serbia. It has been effective since January 1, 2024. Decided by the executive committee of the body on Thursday December 14, 2023, but curiously announced only now, the suspension of the Serbian federation is motivated by financial reasons. Serbia owes a lot of money, to World Rowing but also to service providers engaged for the organization of the Rowing World Cup in 2022 and the 2023 world championships in Belgrade. To justify its decision, the body invokes an article of its statutes, where it is mentioned that “ Member federations which have arrears or unresolved debts to World Rowing, or to a World Rowing event organizing committee, may be suspended by the Executive Committee or expelled by Congress. » Legal proceedings against the Serbian Rowing Federation and the official guarantors are also underway. The most direct consequence of this suspension: Serbia can no longer register athletes in international competitions, including the Paris 2024 Games. It also cannot host events on the World Rowing calendar.
