Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation penalized for violence against female athletes

The Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) has imposed sanctions on the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF) and several coaches in a case of violence against female athletes. This is reported on December 31 on the website of the international foundation.

The proceedings began in mid-2020. After an extensive investigation, the coaches were charged in June 2023 with alleged physical and psychological abuse of several gymnasts over a number of years. Now the commission has handed down its verdict.

In particular, former head coach of the Azerbaijan national rhythmic gymnastics team Mariana Vasilyeva has been suspended from any International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) events for 8 years. She is also banned for life to hold the position of head coach in any federation.

Acting head coach of the Azerbaijan national team Siyana Vasilyeva was suspended for 18 months, and coach Yevgeniya Vilyayeva - for 12 months.

The Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation itself was recognized responsible for all violations committed by the coaches and suspended for six months from participation in any FIG events and other international competitions. In addition, representatives of the Federation will not be able to participate in the next two FIG congresses.

In July, Japan's women's gymnastics team captain Shoko Miyata was suspended from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after admitting to smoking and drinking alcohol, which the country's laws prohibit until age 20. The 19-year-old athlete said she consumed alcohol "due to a lot of emotional pressure".