The International Gymnastics Federation said it will open disciplinary proceedings against Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak for his "shocking behavior" in displaying a symbol of support for his country's invasion of Ukraine during an event.
The 20-year-old finished third in the parallel bars final at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha over the weekend and displayed the letter "Z" on the front of his outfit as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian winner Illia Kovtun, 18.
Russian forces have used the letter "Z" as an identifying symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine following Moscow's invasion of its neighbor. Some supporters of the invasion have also been displaying the symbol.
The FIG said it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation "to open disciplinary proceedings against ... Kuliak following his shocking behavior."
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" designed not to occupy territory but to destroy its neighbor's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. Belarus has been a key staging area for Russian forces.
The FIG has already cancelled all of its events in Russia and Belarus.
Starting yesterday, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, were barred from international competition by the FIG.
Kuliak's demonstration in favor of Russia was a rarity in the field of sports, where support for Ukraine has been overwhelming.
Before the Manchester derby kicked off at the Etihad, Premier League leaders City, who have three Ukrainian players in their squad, sported white T-shirts with the Ukrainian flag and the slogan "No War." The same message was printed on the black T-shirts worn by United players during a minute of applause.
In Spain, Real Madrid displayed a Ukrainian flag with the message "All with Ukraine" at their stadium before their match against Real Sociedad.
Ukraine's Illia Kovtun
