EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (AFP) - Serbia's Milorad Cavic will face disciplinary proceedings after stepping up to the podium with a t-shirt emblazoned with "Kosovo is Serbian", top swimming officials confirmed Thursday.

Cavic wore the t-shirt after his European record-setting victory in the men's 50 metres butterfly on Wednesday, but his provocative gesture has angered officials at the League of European Swimming (LEN).

Sven Egil Folvik, the general secretary of the LEN, told AFP that Cavic will face proceedings for breaking regulations relating to "political gestures" and "provocative behaviour".

After his swim Cavic stepped up to the podium with a Serbian flag, wearing a red t-shirt on which the message was written in white letters.

Folvik added: "In principle carrying a flag on to the podium is forbidden. But obviously it is what was written on Cavic's t-shirt that we most disagree with."

He said that five officials, three of whom are on their way to the Netherlands, from the LEN's disciplinary committe were set to meet later on Thursday to determine which action should be taken.

According to LEN regulations Cavic risks anything from a warning to being suspended from the competition, although no mention is made of whether his medal can be taken back.

Kosovo unilaterally announced its independence from Serbia on February 17.