Decision of the Federation
The Ukrainian Diving Federation has expelled Sofiya Lyskun from the national team and annulled all her sports titles and awards after she announced her move to Russia and obtaining citizenship there.
Assessment of the situation
The federation said the athlete's decision to change citizenship became known without prior notification of the coaching staff, the Federation itself, or the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Actions that discredit the Ukrainian team are categorically unacceptable
– Ukrainian Diving Federation
They noted that the honor of competing under the flag of Ukraine is a responsibility that must not be violated.
The Federation intends to appeal to international sports bodies with a request to impose a "sporting quarantine" on the athlete. It may also initiate additional measures under Ukrainian law to prevent similar cases in the future.
Athlete's motivation
Sofiya Lyskun has officially changed her citizenship and will now compete for Russia. In explaining her decision, she accused the Ukrainian athlete training system of incompetence.
