President of Georgian Wrestling Federation Arrested

Gega Gegeshidze, President of the Georgian Wrestling Federation, has been arrested, says the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia.

“Investigation revealed that Tamaz Gegeshidze physically assaulted sportsman Zurab Datunashvili during a confrontation in the Sports Palace on January 11,” the MIA stated.

The investigation is ongoing under Article 126 of the Criminal Code of Georgia regarding the violence.

Captain of the Greco-Roman style wrestling team of Georgia and twice European champion Zurab Datunashvili accused Gegeshidze of hitting him with a blunt object.

He released a statement about the act of violence on Facebook, asking for Gegeshidze's resignation and also accusing him of corruption.

The Federation President rejects the accusations against him and says he will cooperate with the investigation.

He agrees there was a brawl in the Sports Palace on December 11 after one of the tournaments, but excludes his participation in it.

Gegeshidze has been the President of the Federation since December 2017.

By Thea Morrison