The International Judo Federation (IJF) has released a statement addressing the controversy surrounding athlete Nemanja Majdov (SRB). The IJF clarifies that Majdov was sanctioned after a disciplinary procedure was initiated in response to incidents that occurred during his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Specifically, Majdov was charged for displaying a religious sign upon entering the field of play and for refusing to bow to his opponent at the end of the contest, which goes against the IJF Code of Ethics. Additionally, he was charged for removing his judogi while on the field of play, a violation of the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules.
The IJF emphasizes that Majdov had previously received warnings in 2018 and 2022 for breaching the IJF Code of Ethics. Despite these warnings, Majdov did not contest them, undermining his claims of ignorance regarding the rules prohibiting the display of religious, political, ethnic, or other signs on the judo field of play.
The IJF Code of Ethics is designed to uphold the ethical values and moral principles of the sport of judo. The organization asserts that it respects and values the diverse cultures, nationalities, religions, and orientations of all its members, including athletes. The rules regarding the display of signs are confined to the field of play, ensuring that judo-specific guidelines are followed uniformly by all participants.
The IJF does not restrict the practice of religions or display of religious signs outside the field of play, as individual freedom is respected within the judo community. With over 110 international conflicts currently ongoing worldwide, the IJF aims to maintain a neutral, judo-focused environment on the field of play to avoid any form of discrimination or provocation that could affect athletes’ performances.
In light of these principles, the IJF reiterates its commitment to ensuring that the field of play remains dedicated solely to judo and governed by the sport’s rules. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that may detract from the fair and respectful competition among athletes.
For further details, the complete disciplinary decision regarding Nemanja Majdov can be accessed through the provided link.