South Korea has expelled nine Russian athletes, trainers and journalists who allegedly got drunk and rowdy on a flight to the Mungyeong military world games.
The nine were detained at Incheon airport near Seoul and barred from this year’s CISM World Summer Games. They were then sent home.
South Korean police said the group – five men and four women – protested noisily and blocked an aisle after Korean Air cabin crew refused them more alcohol.
The CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) games, this year at the 6th edition, is the world’s biggest military sports event.
Yoo Ji-hyun, spokesman for the CISM organizing committee, said the nine were accused of violating South Korea’s aviation security law.
The Associated Press news agency said the Russians included two female swimmers, both active duty soldiers.
Only eight athletes from Russia are left to compete in the games, Yonhap news agency reports.
The games have attracted 7,000 athletes from 117 countries, competing in 24 sports disciplines.
The 6th CISM World Summer Games will run from October 2 to October 11.