The Swedish wrestler who dropped his medal in protest at the Beijing
Olympics has been banned from the sport for two years, wrestling's governing
body FILA said.
FILA also fined Ara Abrahamian 3,000 Swiss francs (US$2,600), and his coach
Leo Myllari 10,000 Swiss francs (US$8,600) and the Swedish federation 50,000
Swiss francs (US$43,000).
In addition, Sweden's wrestling federation is banned from hosting
international events for two years.
FILA president Raphael Martinetti said in a statement that the Swedes showed
a "serious lack of Olympic spirit."
Abrahamian challenged a call in his semifinal loss in the Greco-Roman
84-kilogram division. His Italian opponent went on to win the gold medal.
Abrahamian won his bronze medal bout after his coach reported lyargued with
judges and accused them of corruption.
During the medal ceremony, Abrahamian took the bronze from his neck and
dropped it on the mat as he walked away.
The International Olympic Committee stripped Abrahamian of the medal and
expelled him from the games after the incident.
