Shafaq News- Lausanne/ Baghdad
The World Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) has imposed a lifetime ban onIraqi Olympic Committee treasurer Sarmad Abdul-Ilah, barring him from allinvolvement in aquatic sports worldwide over findings linked to harassment,abuse, and integrity violations.
In a ruling issued on May 18, 2026, an independent AQIU judicial panelfound Abdul-Ilah responsible for “serious violations” of safeguarding rules,alongside broader breaches of sporting integrity standards. The decisionpermanently excludes him from holding any role in aquatic sports at nationaland international levels and renders him ineligible for any position within theOlympic movement.
The sanction takes immediate effect and is to be enforced by allnational federations and Olympic bodies. Abdul-Ilah retains the right tochallenge the ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21days.
The case dates back to 2020, when he was temporarily suspended oversimilar allegations before later being cleared due to insufficient evidence. The AQIU reopened the investigation in 2025, after receiving new complaints andadditional material, leading to the latest ruling.
Abdul-Ilah currently serves as treasurer of the Iraqi Olympic Committeeand is also running for the post of first deputy at the Iraqi FootballAssociation.
No statements were issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports, theIraqi Olympic Committee, or Abdul-Ilah regarding the ruling.
