Hungarian Swimming Federation appeals medal disqualifications

The Hungarian Swimming Federation (MÚSZ) has filed an official appeal with European Aquatics to reinstate the medals won by open water swimmers Dávid Betlehem and Bettina Fábián. The athletes were originally disqualified during a 10km European Cup event in Račice, Croatia, due to the use of non-compliant swimming caps.

MÚSZ argues that the disqualification was unjustifiable based on several discrepancies. The federation points out that the European Cup regulations refer to World Aquatics standards, which the athletes' caps actually met. Furthermore, Betlehem received his cap from an official referee during registration, and the federation notes that World Aquatics rules mandate the reversal of penalties if an athlete errs due to an official's mistake.

The appeal also highlights inconsistent enforcement. An Italian swimmer, Andrea Filadelli, received the same warning regarding his cap before the start but was not disqualified, eventually inheriting Betlehem’s bronze medal and prize money. In Fábián’s case, the federation maintains her cap was compliant and notes that a replacement cap requested by a referee failed to arrive before the start of the race.