The reason for the suspension is her statements about the fairness of refereeing at the Tokyo Olympics
The disciplinary commission of the Independent Gymnastic Ethics Foundation (GEF) suspended the head coach of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team Irina Viner for two years. This is stated on the website of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
The report states that the proceedings are related to the alleged pressure on Natalya Kuzmina to withdraw her candidacy from the election of the head of the rhythmic gymnastics technical committee in 2021, as well as Wiener’s public statements after the defeat at the Tokyo Olympics and the refusal of the defendants to cooperate in the investigation.
Viner is prohibited from participating in international competitions under the auspices of the federation or to receive accreditation in any capacity at tournaments, including as a coach or head of delegation.
The suspension period will take effect the day after the FIG lifts the sanction from the Russian sport. If the sanctions are lifted later than in five years, then the period of suspension will be reduced, the report says.
The decision of the commission can be appealed to the GEF Appeals Tribunal within 21 days.
What happened:
In 2020, at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Russian team for the first time in 25 years was left without gold medals in rhythmic gymnastics. Then, in the group all-around, the Russians lost to the Bulgarian team, and in the individual competition, Dina and Arina Averina lost to the Israeli Lina Ashram.
Viner called hosting the tournament at the Olympics “egregious” and “ugly”. In response to an outcry over the judging, the technical committee stated that they did not find any errors or indications of bias.
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The International Gymnastics Federation recognized fair refereeing at the Tokyo Olympics. The All-Russian Federation filed an appeal
Kuzmina after the Olympics planned to again participate in the election of the head of the FIG committee, however, the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics withdrew her candidacy from the elections, which is headed by Viner. Kuzmina then filed a complaint with the GEF and secured a return to the candidate list. However, the FIG Independent Ethics Commission upheld the withdrawal decision. Kuzmina became the honorary president of FIG.
Wiener also criticized Kuzmina during the 2021 World Cup. Then the coach of the Russian national team accused her of underestimating the Averins.
