Bahamas Rowing Federation Expelled by World Rowing Congress

During its Ordinary Congress held on Monday, 29 September 2025, in Shanghai, China, World Rowing voted to expel the Bahamas Rowing Federation (BRF) following a recommendation from the Executive Committee.

This decision was made under Article 15 of the World Rowing Statutes and approved by an absolute majority of the Congress.

The expulsion follows:

1. The withdrawal of official recognition of the Bahamas Rowing Federation by the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, which goes against requirements outlined in World Rowing’s Statutes.
2. The Federation’s ongoing failure to respond to multiple formal requests from World Rowing to resolve issues of non-compliance.

Both the Executive Committee and the President of the Bahamas Rowing Federation were given the opportunity to present their positions before the vote took place.

While this decision ends BRF’s membership, World Rowing counts on the Bahamas National Olympic Committee’s support to enable athletes from Bahamas to continue competing in international events.

The Executive Committee remains hopeful that the situation in the Bahamas will be resolved and that a Rowing federation in good standing will be re-established in the near future.

World Rowing takes its governance responsibilities seriously and thanks all Member Federations for their engagement and support in upholding the integrity of our sport.