The Kuwaiti official has been in charge of the International Federation since being elected in June 2021, succeeding Uruguay’s Julio Maglione.

Despite Al-Musallam securing a four-year term, a fresh election is due to be held at a World Aquatics Congress in Japanese city Fukuoka in July next year after a new constitution was passed at the organisation's Extraordinary General Congress (EGC) here earlier this week.

Under the new election rules which are set to come into force next month, the World Aquatics President can serve two terms with the first lasting eight years and the second running for a further four.

There is also an age limit of 75 years.

World Aquatics' Reform Committee proposed the changes as part of sweeping reforms in a bid to bring "stability" to the organisation.

Cato Bratbakk, head of the Norwegian Swimming Federation, spoke out against the changes to the Presidential terms at the EGC.

"I don’t think it’s a good idea," said Bratbakk.

"Not for Mr President but for the next generation.

"This constitution is for the next 50 or 100 years and we never know what President we will have so to have an election every four years is a good thing."

Michael Bernasconi, chair of the World Aquatics Reform Committee, defended the new term limits at the ECG, insisting they were in line with the Olympic Charter.

"In my 28 years of working with International Federations, I have seen several not profiting by the campaign models that exist if the President needs to be re-elected every three or four years," said Bernasconi.

"A federation needs stability in order to move on with reforms.

"You cannot do reforms if you do not have stability.

"It's a completely wrong idea that if you change the chair you will have a better organisation."

Al-Musallam told insidethegames that the changes would help ensure World Aquatics had a settled team.

"I cannot have an [new] executive director every four years," said Al-Musallam.

"The organisation of World Aquatics would collapse.

"We have contracts with host countries and contracts with sponsors and partners.

"Can you imagine every four years a new management running the office?

"Do you think that is good?"

Al-Musallam also insisted that there was no guarantee that he would lead the organisation until 2031 should a vote of no confidence be called by members.

But Al-Musallam believes a further eight years in the top job would allow him the chance to achieve his goals for growing aquatics.

"We are talking about reshaping Africa, rebuilding Oceania other than in New Zealand and Australia, rebuilding Asia other than in China, Japan and South Korea and rebuilding the Americas other than in United States, Canada and Brazil," said Al-Musallam.

"There is a lot of work to be done to prepare for the 10 years, LA [Los Angeles 2028] or Brisbane [2032] to see different nations or different people winning gold medals.

"This is my target.

"I cannot do it if I am sitting here and after two years I call Japan for lobbying and call England for lobbying.

"We are not politicians.

"I am happy to leave before Brisbane [2032] but I would be happier when I see some new countries coming to be at the top level of competition at diving which I think we will have and I see it."