Vyatchanin announced his intention to leave the Russian national team in April 2013 and to begin competing for another country following a fallout with the Russian Swimming Federation.

But Čavić, who was just one one-hundredth of a second behind the formidable Michael Phelps in the 100 metres butterfly final at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, tried to persuade the 30-year old to opt for a country other than Serbia.

"I understand your reason for leaving the Russian Swimming Federation, but I ask you to consider other federations before Serbia Swimming Federation," Čavić wrote on Twitter.

Cavic (first left) took silver in the 100 metre butterfly final in Beijing after a close battle with American Michael Phelps (centre). He retired after London 2012 following a succession of injuries ©Getty Images



He continued: "[The] Serbian Swimming Federation is plagued with corruption, incompetence and its President should sooner face prison than to make one more decision in the interest of Serbian swimming.

"At the moment, Serbia Swimming Federation is writing checks [sic] they can't cash and promises they can't keep.

"You may find yourself a swimming nomad for the second time."

The Serbian Swimming Federation have confirmed they are trying to secure citizenship for Vyatchanin, who won 100 and 200m backstroke bronze at Beijing 2008 two years after winning four gold medals at the European Championships in Budapest. 

"The Serbian Swimming Federation has initiated a procedure of obtaining the Serbian citizenship (for Vyatchanin)," the statement said.

"With the assistance from the Ministry of Sport and Youth and the personal commitment of Minister (Vanja) Udovicic, the procedure of obtaining the Serbian citizenship will be completed in the urgent term."

Cavic tweeted a warning to Vyatchanin claiming the Serbian Swimming Federation is plagued with corruption ©Twitter



Vyatchanin still holds the world record in the 200 metres short course backstroke event and is a three-time World Championship silver medallist.

The 30-year old has been a member of the Russian swimming team since 2000, but has not competed for them for two years.

He was also linked with a possible switch to the United States before the move to Serbia was announced.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2015: Applications open for Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race
January 2015: Swimming World Cup to visit eight Asian and European venues in 2015
December 2014: Three world records fall on opening day of World Short-Course Swimming Championships