Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak criticized for ‘shocking behaviour’

CNN
–

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has criticized the “shocking behavior” of Russian athlete Ivan Kulyak at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, Qatar.

FIG did not give details about the behavior they condemned, but the statement came after 20 yearsThe gymnast wore the ‘Z’ taped symbol on his clothes while standing next to Ukrainian athlete Ilya Kovtun on the podium – Kovtun won the gold and Kolya took the bronze in the parallel bars on Saturday.

The organization that supervises Russian gymnasts admitted in a statement that Kolyak’s bid violated FIG’s rules, but expressed the organization’s support for his actions.

The ‘Z’ badge was displayed on tanks and vehicles used by the Russian Army in its operations in Ukraine, and has since become a symbol in support of the invasion of Ukraine.

Propaganda videos on social media appear to show supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing “Z” clothes, waving Russian flags and chanting pro-Russia slogans.

“The International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Foundation for Gymnastics Ethics to open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kolya after his shocking behavior at the World Equipment Cup in Doha, Qatar,” on Sunday. statment From the Gymnastics Management Authority read.

On Monday, the president of the Federation of Artistic Gymnastics of Russia (FSGR) Vasily Titov told Russian newspaper MK that Kuliak has the full support of the governing body. FSGR quoted the article on its official website.

“I don’t think Evan wanted to do a private demonstration, but we’d support him anyway,” he said.

“It was a violation of the FIG-approved uniform. I think they can punish us, they can also kick us out. But we have already been removed.”

CNN has reached out to FSGR but has yet to receive a response.

The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation told CNN it could not comment on pending or potential issues as a matter of procedure.

Read: The oldest tennis player in the world resides in the Ukraine war zone

In a statement on Friday, FIFA announced that from March 7, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, will not be allowed to participate in official competitions authorized by FIFA on the advice of the International Olympic Committee who recommended a ban last week.

It comes as the United Nations estimates that more than 1.7 million refugees have fled Ukraine since February 24. Ukraine and Russia are due to hold the third round of talks on Monday, according to negotiators, as fighting continues across the country.