Ex Bulgarian Gymnastics Star Penalized for Referee Violations

Bulgarian Maria Gigova is a former three-time world rhythmic gymnastics champion. Photo by BGNES

The former Chair of the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, Maria Gigova, has been expelled for the rest of the year from the Technical Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation, FIG.

Gigova, a former three-time world rhythmic gymnastics champion has been sanctioned along with 5 other members for manipulating courses for referees. The accusations involve granting diplomas without adhering to the rules of the Federation.

The decision revokes an earlier one that the members of the Technical Committee have not committed breaches of the rules.

The six will continue to train referees, but would not be able to assess them.

The sanction can be appealed within 21 days before the Arbitration Committee of FIG.