Michael Phelps could be allowed to compete at this year 's world swimming championships . USA Swimming banned the 18-time Olympic champion for six months following a second drink-driving offence in Baltimore last September . That is due to run out in early April but Phelps ' punishment also resulted in him being excluded from the US team for the world championships in Kazan . Now Phelps is potentially in line for a reprieve , with USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus telling ESPN.com : 'It 's complicated , but there are ways in which it could happen . There 's a pathway for things to be reconsidered - or considered . ' Michael Phelps will be able to compete for USA when his ban runs out in early April . Phelps is an 18-time Olympic champion and could be back in action sooner than expected .
Michael Phelps banned by World Championship for second drink-driving offence . Phelps was excluded from USA 's USA Swimming squad . But USA executive director Chuck Wielgus may allow Phelps to compete .