Is Evgeny Rylov in hot water?

Despite a nine-month ban imposed by swimming’s governing body FINA, Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov competed in the Russian Swimming Championships over the weekend in Kazan, Russia.

He raced in the prelims and semifinals of the 100 back and advanced to Monday’s final. Russian athletes are banned from all FINA sanctioned events, but it’s not clear if the Russian Swimming Championships qualify as a FINA event.

A spokesperson for FINA confirmed the organization is aware of the Russian athlete’s participation in the event. The organization is currently reviewing the matter to determine if he is in violation of his ban.

FINA released a statement stating, “FINA is aware that Mr. Rylov competed in the Russian Championships this weekend and has launched an internal review to ascertain whether FINA sanctions or rules have been broken. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.”

According to the organization’s initial statement, the 25-year-old was banned from participating in any event or competition that’s sanctioned by FINA for nine months. But that doesn’t clarify whether a meet conducted in Russia, a country currently banned from any FINA event, would violate the sanctions imposed.

Despite the complexity of the situation, it’s still not clear how FINA will handle the situation regarding the ban on Rylov. The organization is still working on establishing the details of the suspension.

Rylov was suspended by FINA for his attendance at a pro-war rally in Moscow in March. The Olympic gold medalist was honored and took part in a rally at Luzhniki Stadium to recognize the reunification of Crimea along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other athletes and dignitaries.