Gymnastics Ethics Foundation sanctions Azerbaijan Rhythmic

The independent Gymnastics Ethics Foundation sanctions Rhythmic individuals in the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF).

• Ms Siyana Vasileva
• Ms Evgeniya Valiyeva
• Ms Mariana Vasileva 

The Federation is sanctioned, as well.

• The AGF shall be suspended from participation in the 25th Council Meeting in Qawra (Malta) in 2025 and in the 86th Congress in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2026;
• The AGF shall be excluded from participation in any FIG activities and other international events for a period of 6 months, which sanction shall be suspended for 12 months subject to the completion of the requirements in respect of safeguarding addressed below.
• The AGF shall:
  • Appoint a qualified safeguarding expert, agreed with the GEF, to inspect and to review its safeguarding procedures and mechanisms, including its disciplinary processes, and who shall produce an initial report to the GEF by 31 March 2025, and reports on reviews quarterly thereafter until 31 December 2026, which reports shall

1. Identify any failings in the safeguarding procedures and mechanisms, and

2. Make recommendations for any improvements or adjustments to be made with a time frame for remedy or enaction.

• Act on and remedy any recommendations made by the safeguarding expert within the timeframes identified;
• Appoint to its governing board an independent and impartial safeguarding director, who shall report to the GEF quarterly until 31 December 2028 on all and any safeguarding cases within the AGF;
• The AGF shall pay a fine of CHF 30,000.

The Parties have the right to appeal the decision to the GEF Appeal Tribunal within 21 days of the notification of the decision.
The GEF Disciplinary Commission Panel sanctioned Azerbaijan’s former Rhythmic Gymnastics Head Coach, the current acting Head Coach, a Coach, and the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF).