A Russian gymnast is to be investigated after displaying a symbol of support for the invasion of Ukraine during an event.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it will open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak for his “shocking behaviour” after he finished third in the parallel bars final at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha over the weekend.
Un atleta ruso subió al podio con un símbolo de la invasión a Ucrania, en la Copa del Mundo de gimnasia artística
El gimnasta ruso Ivan Kuliak terminó tercero en barras paralelas y apareció en el podio con una “Z”. A su lado, estaba el ganador: el ucraniano Illia Kovtun. pic.twitter.com/SXTRPFVNGs
The 20-year-old wore the letter “Z” on the front of his outfit as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun, who won the gold.
Russian forces have used the letter Z as an identifying symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine following Moscow’s invasion of its neighbour.
Some supporters of the invasion have also been displaying the symbol.
Ukraine-Russia latest news: Russia to ‘open humanitarian corridors’ in several cities
FIG adopted ‘further measures’ against Russia
The FIG said in a statement: “The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup.
“The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March.
“From 7 March, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.”
Key developments:
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns of ‘day of judgement’ for Russia
• Ukrainians count the human cost of the invasion
• Boris Johnson to meet foreign leaders to build united front against Vladimir Putin
• Oil costs soar beyond 2008 high of $130 as Russian crude boycott considered
• Foreign Office minister defends UK’s support for refugees as only ‘around 50’ visas granted so far
Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The FIG has already cancelled all of its events in Russia and Belarus adding that it would not allocate other events to the two countries until further notice.
Belarus has been a key staging area for Russian forces.
Russia has been calling its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” designed not to occupy territory but to destroy its neighbour’s military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.
