March 8, 2022: -Ivan Kuliak is facing disciplinary action from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which appears to wear a Russian war symbol on the podium at a World Cup event in Doha. Russian gymnast Kuliak finished third at the event in Qatar, won by Ukrainian Illia Kovtun between the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

As the athletes stood on the podium, Kuliak saw with a ‘Z’ taped across the front of his shirt, a symbol which reported to mean ‘victory’ in Russian and seen on tanks that took part in the invasion.

The ‘Z’ was in place of the Russian flag, which the gymnastics’ governing body had banned. The federation confirmed it was now asking the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to investigate the incident.

“The International Gymnastics Federation is confirming that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to restart disciplinary proceedings against male artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak (RUS), which follows his shocking behavior at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar,” a statement aid.

“The FIG adopted measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4. Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, which includes judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.” From March 7, 2022.