The Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) has said that it has suspended Emanuela Maccarani from the role of technical director of rhythmic gymnastics in relation to allegations of bullying from some young athletes.
It subsequently dismissed her from the post of technical director while saying she would stay on as a coach.
FGI President Gherardo Tecchi had voiced the hope that Maccarani would stay on as rhythmic gymnastics national team coach.
"We don't think it is right for us to be the judges," Tecchi said.
Maccarani and her Russian assistant Olga Tishina faced a sporting disciplinary procedure and are under investigation by criminal prosecutors over allegations of psychological abuse of athletes.
The disciplinary panel was the one that sacked Maccarani from her technical director position.
Prosecutors in Brescia are investigating after the mother of two sisters who have left the sport filed a complaint over alleged psychological abuse the girls were subjected to by coaches in relation to their weight and physical appearance.
Two former members of the national team, Nina Corradini and Anna Basta, last year told La Repubblica that they suffered humiliation and pressure in relation to their weight at a rhythmic gymnastics academy.
Maccarani said the accusations came from athletes who were bitter after not being selected for the Olympics.
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