Speedo Cuts Ties With Evgeny Rylov After He Attends Putin Rally

Two-time Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov has lost his sponsorship deal with Speedo after he attended a Vladimir Putin rally. 

The swimwear make condemned the war in Ukraine as they revoked their deal with Rylov.

“Following his attendance at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow at the weekend, Speedo can confirm that is has terminated the sponsorship of Evgeny Rylov with immediate effect,” the company told CNN in a statement.

They added: “We condemn the war in Ukraine in the strongest possible way and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, our athletes and our teammates who have been impact by the conflict.

“As part of this decision, any outstanding sponsorship fees will be donated to the Ukraine Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”

According to insidethegames, Rylov also sported the letter ‘Z’ on his clothing.

The symbol has been largely associated with pro-war after Russian forces have used it to identify their military vehicles.

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak was condemned for wearing the same symbol as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian gold medallist Illia Kovtun.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) will be investigating the matter further, but noted their disappointment over Rylov’s reported attendance.

Rylov has since pulled out of the World Championships in support of banned Russian athletes.

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