The 35-year-old was part of the men's national team who claimed the title at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, beating Italy 25-22, 28-26, 26-24.

Wallace is one of former President Jair Bolsonaro's most fervent supporters, with the far-right politician losing the Presidential race late last year against Lula, who returned for a third term.

He is known for sharing the politician's pro-gun policies, which Lula - who served as head of state from 2003 to 2010 - is an opponent of.

Cruzeiro did not make it clear how long the suspension would last.

Wallace later said he regretted posting the poll on his Instagram story which asked "Would you shoot Lula in the face with this 12?", referring a shotgun he was holding in the story.

Afterwards, he apologised.

"I would never incite violence in any context, even less so when it comes to our President," said Wallace on social media.

"So I am here to apologise, it was an unfortunate posting I made, I was wrong."

The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation said in a statement it "repudiates any kind of violence or incitation to violent action".

Minister of the Social Communication Secretariat of Brazil, Paulo Pimenta, said Brazil's solicitor-general would be seeking action against the player.

Wallace claimed a silver medal at London 2012 with Brazil too, and has three medals from the World Championships to his name.