The Swedish wrestler who dropped his medal in protest at the Beijing Olympics was banned for two years along with his coach for “scandalous behavior,” the sport's governing body said Thursday. The wrestling federation, known as FILA, suspended Ara Abrahamian and coach Leo Myllari and banned Sweden's wrestling federation from hosting international events for two years. FILA also fined Abrahamian 3,000 Swiss francs ($2,600), Myllari 10,000 Swiss francs ($8,600) and the Swedish federation 50,000 Swiss francs ($43,000). In a statement, FILA President Raphael Martinetti said the Swedes showed a “serious lack of Olympic spirit.” Abrahamian disputed a penalty call which decided his semifinal bout against Andrea Minguzzi in the Greco-Roman 84-kilogram division. The Italian went on to win the gold medal. Abrahamian won his bronze medal bout after his coach reportedly argued with judges and accused them of corruption. Abrahamian is also contesting the IOC rulings. He won a first CAS hearing in August to establish that he was not given fair rights to protest the result of his disputed bout. He is now waiting for CAS to hear an appeal to downgrade his IOC expulsion to a warning. – AP __
