Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wears pro-war Z symbol on podium, standing next to Ukrainian competitor

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak is facing a dsciplinary investigation after displaying a symbol linked to the invasion of Ukraine on his uniform.

Kuliak taped the Z symbol — seen on Russian tanks and military vehicles in Ukraine and embraced by supporters of the war — to his vest for a medal ceremony at a World Cup event on Saturday in Doha, Qatar.

He took bronze in parallel bars and stood next to a gold medallist from Ukraine.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) denounced what it called his «shocking behaviour» and asked its independent integrity unit to investigate.

The 20-year-old Kuliak was able to compete in Qatar because a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes did not take effect until Monday.

The former national junior all-around champion did not compete at the Tokyo Olympics. He now faces a ban under the FIG disciplinary code.

The code allows gymnasts to be punished for behaving in an offensive way, damaging the image of gymnastics or demonstrating anti-sport behaviour.

The sport's ethics foundation was created in 2018 following the sex abuse scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

The Z symbol was reportedly first seen on Russian vehicles as they gathered ahead of the invasion of Ukraine. There has been speculation it could be a recognition marking to avoid friendly fire incidents.

Since the invasion it has been taken up inside Russia as a way to express support for the war.

AP