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Rylov, who won gold in 100 and 200 metres
backstroke events at last year's Tokyo Olympics, was among
several athletes who attended a massive rally at Moscow's
Luzhniki stadium last month hosted by President Vladimir Putin.
Rylov and other athletes wore the letter "Z" on their outfit, an
identifying symbol used by supporters of what Russia calls its
"special military operation" in Ukraine.
FINA said the suspension came "following Mr. Rylov's attendance
and conduct at an event held at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow".
Rylov, who also lost his sponsorship deal with swimwear maker
Speedo over his presence at the rally, told Sport Express
newspaper his lawyers were reviewing the case but it was still
unclear whether they would appeal his suspension.
The Kremlin said FINA's decision showed the "politicization of
sport."
"We believe this is absolutely contrary to the ideas of sport,"
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference
call. "When the strongest (competitors) lose the opportunity to
participate, this ultimately harms international federations and
international competitions."
FINA has already cancelled all its events that were set to take
place in Russia and has barred Russian and Belarusian athletes
and officials from taking part in its competitions until the end
of the year.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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