Star swimmer Ning kicked out of Chinese swimming team

File photo of Ning Zetao[Photo: Xinhua]

It's been confirmed that world champion Ning Zetao is no longer part of the Chinese national swimming team.

Chinese swimming authorities have confirmed the 23-year old violated several rules of the team, leading to his expulsion.

Officials say the violations of the team rules date back as far as the Rio Olympics, where he refused to take part in a qualifying relay event, resulting in the Chinese men's team missing out on the 4x200m freestyle relay.

The latest infractions have not been detailed. However, the statement from the Chinese Swimming Federation does say he violated team rules by signing sponsorships without prior consent.

Ning Zetao won the men's 100-meter freestyle at the World Championships in 2015 in Russia. However, he underperformed at the Olympics, failing to make the final in both the 50 and 100-meter free events.