EWF condemns burning of Azerbaijani flag in Yerevan

The EWF has published an extended statement in connection with the desecration of the Azerbaijani flag at the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan. The EWF expresses its solidarity with the Azerbaijani national team and condemns the incident as a blow to the unshakable rules of fair play. Additional measures may be applied to Armenia.

Today, the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) published a statement in connection with the desecration of the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan. One of the organizers, Aram Nikolyan, set fire to the Azerbaijani flag and took it off the stage.

In the very first sentence of the statement, the EWF strongly condemns the incident - the burning of the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship. 

Armenia encroached on fair play

The EWF called the burning of the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the organizers of the European Championship an attack on the values of sports and a blow to the unshakable rules of fair play.

In this regard, the European Federation strongly condemns the Armenian championship organizing committee and demands to increase security guarantees for all participants of the tournament. The Federation says it would follow up on the fulfillment of its requirements.

EWF respects Azerbaijan's decision

The EWF representatives note that they are in a constant contact with the Azerbaijani team and express their absolute solidarity and support.

The Federation regrets that the Azerbaijani weightlifters withdrew from the championship, but stresses its respect for this decision. The EWF was directly involved in ensuring the athletes’ security up to crossing the Armenian-Georgian border.

Sports sanctions may be applied to Armenia

The European Federation has warned Yerevan that it will not change its position on the anti-Azerbaijani action and may introduce "additional measures" in connection with the incident.

The EWF underscores its solidarity with the Azerbaijani team and is ready to provide any necessary support to maintain fair play in European weightlifting competitions.