Russian karter Severyukhin loses license, possible further sanctions

The Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) has revoked the racing license of Artem Severyukhin, the organization announced Tuesday. The decision came in response to the alleged Nazi salute the Russian karter made on the podium after a race in Portugal. Further sanctions are not ruled out.

Following a race in the European Junior Karting Championship in Portimao, Portugal, Severyukhin caused a stir after it appeared that he made a Nazi salute on the podium at the end of the race in which the young Russian finished third. The Russian has since expressed regret and stated that there were no intentions behind his move. He further stated that he does not support Nazism.

Despite his expression of regret, his action still has major consequences for the Russian. "The Board of Directors [of the ACI] has decided to revoke Severyukhin's sports license with immediate effect and at the same time referred him to Sports Jurisdiction, so that it can assess whether further sanctions should be determined that fall within its competence," reads a statement from the ACI.

In the statement, the ACI let it be known that taking action against Severyukhin was inevitable. "Severyukhin, with his reckless act, demonstrated a lack of respect not only for the universal values that have always inspired all sports, but also for humanity, dignity and the coexistence of citizens."