The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has criticized Russian athlete Ivan Kuliyak's "shocking behaviour" at a Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, Qatar.
FIG did not provide details about the behavior they condemned, but the statement came after the 20-year-old gymnast wore her leopard 'Z' sign while standing next to Ukrainian athlete Ilya Kovtun on the podium - Kovtun On Saturday, in the parallel bars, gold and Kuliak won the bronze.
The organization that oversees Russian gymnasts acknowledged in a statement that Kuliyak's performance violated FIG rules, but expressed the organization's support for his actions.
The 'Z' insignia is displayed on tanks and vehicles used by the Russian military in its Ukraine campaigns and has since become a symbol of support for the invasion of Ukraine.
Propaganda videos on social media showed supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing 'Z' clothes, waving Russian flags and shouting pro-Russian slogans.
"The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak," the gymnastics governing body said in a statement on Sunday.
On Monday, Russia's Federation of Artistic Gymnastics (FSGR) chief Vasily Titov told Russian publication MK that Kuliyak has the full support of the governing body. FSGR cited the article on its official website.
"I don't think Ivan wanted to make a special appearance, but we will support him in any case," he said.
"It was a violation of the uniform approved by the FIG. I think they can punish, they can even remove us from participation. But we were already fired."
CNN has reached out to FSGR but is yet to receive a response.
The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation told CNN it could not comment on pending or potential cases as to the process.
In a statement on Friday, FIG announced that, from 7 March, officials including Russian and Belarusian athletes and judges would not be allowed to participate in official FIG-sanctioned competitions following the advice of the International Olympic Committee, which imposed the final ban. was recommended. Week.
It comes as the United Nations estimates that more than 1.7 million refugees have fled Ukraine since February 24. According to negotiators, Ukraine and Russia are due to hold a third round of talks on Monday as fighting continues across the country.