The Russian national team will not be able to take part in the European Kickboxing Championship, scheduled to take place in Chișinău from June 22 to 29. The decision was made by Moldova’s Ministry of Education and Research shortly before the start of the competition, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
The primary reason for the ban was the Moldovan authorities’ refusal to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the event. This decision comes despite the earlier ruling by the World Kickboxing Federation (WKF), which had permitted Russian athletes to compete in international tournaments under their national flag and anthem. In April, the Russian Kickboxing Federation (RKF) announced that approximately 100 of its athletes were expected to compete in the Chișinău championship.
Although the Russian delegation arrived in Moldova bearing its national flag and anthem, it was not allowed to participate in the event due to a decision by Moldovan government bodies. Authorities in Chișinău criticized the WKF and its president, Friedrich Exenberger, accusing them of violating international sanctions following a March agreement signed with the RKF.
This agreement outlined a strategic partnership between WKF and RKF that included not only the participation of Russian athletes under national symbols but also the hosting of tournaments in Russia, involvement of Russian judges in international events, and the inclusion of an RKF representative in the WKF’s leadership structure.
According to the RKF, WKF has already verbally notified them that participation in the tournament would not be possible. However, no official written statement had been received at the time of the announcement.
Earlier we wrote that Russia and Belarus to compete under flags at Enhanced Games 2026.