Russian Gymnast Kuliak Faces Disciplinary Action for ‘Shocking’ Behavior

A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
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Russian Gymnast Kuliak Faces Disciplinary Action for ‘Shocking’ Behavior

A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it will open disciplinary proceedings against Russian artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak for his "shocking behavior" in displaying a symbol of support for Russia'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 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 neighbor. Some supporters of the invasion have also been displaying the symbol.

"The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against ... Kuliak following his shocking behavior at the Apparatus World Cup," the FIG said in a statement.

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 canceled all of its events in Russia and Belarus adding that it would not allocate other events to the two countries until further notice.

"The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4. From March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions," it added.



Salah Among Nominees for PFA Player of the Year Award 

Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. (AFP)
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Salah Among Nominees for PFA Player of the Year Award 

Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. (AFP)

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was among six players nominated for the Professional Footballers' Association Men's Player of the Year award on Friday.

The 33-year-old played a key role in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph last season with 29 goals and 18 assists.

The Egypt star was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association, securing almost 90 percent of the votes, marking the biggest winning margin this century, and is the firm favorite to land the PFA prize.

Salah is joined on the shortlist by Liverpool team-mate Alexis Mac Allister, Arsenal's Declan Rice, Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Palmer, who won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for 2023-24, was a surprise choice for the list given his struggles for Chelsea last season.

Rice starred in midfield for Arsenal, hitting a career-high nine goals while adding 10 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions.

Sweden striker Isak scored 23 goals for Newcastle as they qualified for the Champions League and ended a 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup.

Fernandes was one of United's few bright spots in the club's worst top-flight campaign since 1973-74, with eight league goals and 10 assists.

This year's awards ceremony will be held in Manchester on August 19.