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Nemanja Majdov has been suspended from the sport until next year.
Pulse Sports earlier reported Judo champion Nemanja Majdov has been banned for five months following his controversial display of the sign of the cross during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) deemed this religious gesture a violation of its strict regulations against displaying religious symbols in competition, leaving the 28-year-old Serbian sidelined until early next year.
The incident occurred during Majdov's match against Greek athlete Theodoros Tselidis on July 31, when he was observed putting his hands together in prayer and making the sign of the cross.
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The IJF stated that he "showed a clear religious sign when entering the field of play," emphasizing the breach of their Code of Ethics.
Nemanja Majdov: IJF responds to criticism after suspending Judo star over religious gesture
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In response to public outcry surrounding the decision, the IJF released a detailed statement explaining the reasons behind Majdov’s suspension.
They clarified, “Following the media and public reaction concerning the athlete Nemanja Majdov (SRB), the International Judo Federation (IJF) hereby publishes the following clarification concerning the numerous false claims and erroneous information that are currently circulating in the public domain.”
The organization noted that Majdov was sanctioned for “Having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow to his opponent at the end of the contest,” alongside previous warnings he had received regarding conduct breaches.
The IJF further emphasized, “We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation that may impact our athletes’ performance.”
Full statement below:
“Following the media and public reaction concerning the athlete Nemanja Majdov (SRB), the International Judo Federation (IJF) hereby publishes the following clarification concerning the numerous false claims and erroneous information that are currently circulating in the public domain.
The athlete Nemanja Majdov was sanctioned following a disciplinary procedure, initiated in accordance with the IJF Disciplinary Code for the incidents recorded during his performance in the judo competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, on 31st July 2024.
More specifically, he was charged for, “Having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow to his opponent at the end of the contest,” which is a violation of the IJF Code of Ethics, version 27 February 2023, Article 3 and for “Having removed your judogi in the field of play” which is a violation of the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules (SOR) Article 8.6.
It shall also be noted that the athlete had antecedent incidents involving conduct, breaching the IJF Code of Ethics. The athlete was warned by letter in April 2018 and again in February 2022, about behaviour that was contrary to the IJF SOR. In the February 2022 warning letter, the defendant was advised that "In case of any future breach and clear violation of the Sport Organisation Rules or IJF Code of Ethics, the IJF will call for a disciplinary session."
It must also be noted that the athlete did not contest either of the two warnings, therefore, his claims of not knowing about the rule which forbids the display of any religious, political, ethnic or other sign on the field of play in judo, are not accurate.
The IJF Code of Ethics is meant to protect the ethical values and moral principles of our sport. The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes.
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As an international umbrella organisation, it is our duty to make sure that all our stakeholders and especially the athletes, feel respected and accepted, in all our events and activities. Our rules regarding the display of religious or other signs is strictly related to the field of play, which is a space dedicated exclusively for judo and where only the judo specific signs and rules are on display, equally for all.
The IJF does not forbid the practice of religions or religious signs outside the field of play, as we continue to respect the individual freedom of each member of our community.
According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, currently more than 110 international conflicts are being monitored around the world.
Regardless of their nature, in general, these conflicts involve politics, religion and ethical considerations. With 205-member national federations, each representing a different country or recognised territory (associate members), it is the duty of the IJF to ensure that the field of play is reserved for judo and governed exclusively by the rules of our sport. We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation that may impact our athletes’ performance.”
Despite the suspension, Majdov remains unapologetic about his actions, expressing disappointment that “such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.”
He addressed his situation on Instagram, stating, “15 days ago I received a decision that I was suspended for 5 months by the World Judo Federation (IJF) for violating their religious codes. More precisely, because of baptism when entering a match at the Olympic Games.”
Majdov won a gold medal at the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest.
At the 2018 European Judo Championships in Tel Aviv, he won his first senior European medal, a silver at the -90 kg category.
He won the silver medal in his event at the 2022 Judo Grand Slam Tel Aviv held in Tel Aviv, Israel.
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