Kuwait’s Hussain Al-Musallam looks set to become the new chief of swimming’s world governing body FINA, after his only challenger pulled out of upcoming elections for the top spot.

The withdrawal of Italy’s Paolo Barelli, who declared his support for Al-Musallam, the Asian Swimming Federation’s candidate, means the Kuwaiti sexagenarian is almost certain to claim the FINA top seat, he told KUNA via telephone on Monday.

Ahead of FINA’s elections next month, Al-Musallam said he was proud to become the first Arab to head swimming’s governing body, attributing his success to the overwhelming support at home.

The Kuwaiti government has thrown its weight behind Al-Musallam’s campaign, seeing him as the frontrunner to succeed Julio Maglione.

Source: Kuwait News Agency