The Judo Federation denied eight Russians admission to the World Championships after checking their background

The Executive Board of the International Judo Federation (IJF) refused eight representatives of the Russian national team to participate in the World Championships. The decision against them was made after checking their biographical data to identify information suggesting support for the military operation in Ukraine. A few days ago, the IJF announced that it would allow the Russians to compete in a neutral status. How many applications submitted by the Russian team is not disclosed.

“The IJF Executive Committee received the list of proposed participants and commissioned an independent background check of athletes and delegates to verify both their place of work and any statements on social media regarding pro-war propaganda,” the statement reads. statement on the IJF website.

The IJF statement notes that the organization is “committed to promoting equality and transparency in all competitions.” In order for all athletes to have the opportunity to participate in the championship on equal terms, the IJF intends to continue checking them.

On the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the World Championships as individual neutral IJF athletes reported 29 April. At the same time, the organization announced the verification of the biographies of potential participants in the competition. Athletes’ social networks will also be analyzed for “military propaganda”.

Milena Kostereva