TOKYO: The Japan Swimming Federation expressed regret Tuesday over a decision to strip a Japanese swimmer of his 200-metre backstroke world record because of his controversial high-tech suit.

FINA, the sport's international governing body, finalised its ruling after Japan had already accepted Ryosuke Irie's record, set on May 10 in Australia while wearing a suit developed by Japanese maker Descente.

FINA later called for modifications to be made to the design of the suit, which was not on its approved list, and Monday annulled Irie's record of 1min 52.86sec set at the Japan-Australia "Duel in the Pool" meet in Canberra.

"The (Japanese) federation feels extremely regretful over FINA's decision this time. It is very disappointing," Masafumi Izumi, the body's general secretary, told reporters.

He complained there had been insufficient communication from FINA regarding the approval process for suits before the meet.

The use of high-tech swimsuits has caused controversy because of complaints that they give an unfair advantage by reducing drag or increasing buoyancy.