Accused with a Russian coach of ill-treatment of gymnasts, the Italian was removed from his position

The Board of the Italian Gymnastics Federation has suspended Emanuela Maccarani from the post of technical director of the International Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics in Desio, Italy, where the Italian national team is based, amid a scandal over allegations of mistreatment of athletes, according to the organization’s official website.

As mentioned, the role of technical director on a temporary basis will be assumed by the head of the federation, Gerardo Tekki. At the same time, Maccarani will remain the national team coach.

– The decision was taken by me after listening to the President of the Italian NOC, Giovanni Malago, and discussing the situation with the Federation Council. We also consulted psychologist Marcella Bunus, national team captain Alessia Maurelli. The council (decision) approved, — said Tekki.

Earlier in January, it was reported that Maccarani and his Russian assistant Olga Tishina would appear outside a sports field. Maccarani and Silence have been accused of using “training methods that do not correspond to the correct attitude and professionalism”. The prosecution said these methods subjected the athletes to “psychological pressure”, which caused “nutritional and psychological disorders in some gymnasts”.

Two former Italian athletes, Nina Corradini and Anna Basta, said last year they suffered “humiliation and pressure” at the academy because of their weight.