The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) is intransigent on the war in Ukraine.
It has just announced the one-year suspension of Ivan Kuliak after the Russian showed his support for the Russian offensive on Ukrainian soil on the podium of a World Cup event.
at the beginning of March, at the start of the armed conflict in Ukraine, Ivan Kuliak, 3rd in the parallel bars event, stood on the podium alongside the Ukrainian winner Illia Kovtun with a jersey bearing the letter "Z" instead of the flag of his country.
The letter "Z", featured on some of the Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine, has become a symbol of support for the invasion.
Banned Russians and Belarusians
"Mr. Kuliak is not allowed to participate in any competition organized under the auspices of the FIG or any of its affiliated members for one year from the date of the decision," the foundation said. ethics in a statement released on Tuesday.
Kuliak has 21 days to appeal.
He must also return his bronze medal and the sum of money corresponding to this medal (500 euros).
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the FIG has since decided to ban Russians and Belarusians from all competitions.
“If these measures removing the Russians from any competition are still in place on May 17, 2023, the suspension (of Kuliak) will continue, and will not expire until six months after the date of lifting of the sanctions”, specifies the commission in its press release. .
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