PARIS — A
Russian gymnast who sported an insignia linked to his country’s invasion of
Ukraine on a medal podium has been banned for one year, a disciplinary panel
said.
اضافة اعلان
Ivan Kuliak’s
singlet had the letter “Z” prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine’s
Kovtun Illia, the gold medalist at a World Cup event in Doha in March.
The ‘Z’ has been
seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolize
support for the invasion.
A disciplinary
commission of the
Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) found that Kuliak violated
rules of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the sport’s ruling
body.
“Mr Kuliak is not
allowed to participate in any FIG-sanctioned event or competition organized by
an affiliated FIG member federation for one year as of the date of this
decision,” GEF said.
Kuliak must also
return his bronze medal and prize money of 500 Swiss francs ($500). He has 21
days to appeal against the punishment.
It had already
been decided that all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will be banned from
future competitions.
“If the protective
measures keeping
Russian athletes from competing are still in place on 17 May
2023, the ban shall continue and expire six months after the removal of said
measures,” GEF said.
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