China News Service, April 22. Comprehensive report. On the 22nd local time, FINA announced on its official website that it had decided to impose a nine-month ban on Russian Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov. The start date is April 20.
The reason is that he participated in a concert to celebrate the anniversary of the return of Crimea to Russia.
Data map: Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov.
In this regard, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov said that FINA's decision shows that the "politicization of sports" line continues, which "completely goes against the concept of sports".
Russian Sports Minister Mattchin also said, "Although each international federation has its own regulations, this is a discriminatory and politicized decision."
On the 22nd, Reynoff said in an interview with Russia's "Sports Express" that he and his lawyers are studying the decision, and it is not yet certain whether to appeal.
Reynoff's lawyers said they have 21 days to challenge the suspension.
In addition, FINA also stated that before the end of 2022, the agency will no longer invite Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to participate in any competitions and activities.
Renof is a famous Russian swimmer who won gold medals in the men's 100m backstroke and men's 200m backstroke at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in Japan.