Michael Phelps could compete at World Championships in Russia

USA Swimming director Chuck Wieglus has revealed that Michael Phelps has a chance of competing at the World Championships in Russia later this year, despite being banned.

The 18-time Olympic gold medallist was handed a six-month suspension from the governing body, which included exclusion from the World Championships following his conviction for drink-driving.

However, Wieglus believes that there could be a way to make Phelps, who came out of retirement last year, eligible for the event in August.

"It's complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen," Wieglus told ESPN. "There's a pathway for things to be reconsidered, or considered."

Phelps had qualified for the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 200m medley at the Worlds prior to the issue of his ban.