The European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) issued a statement regarding the burning of the Azerbaijani flag during the Opening Ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan on April 14, Ednews reports.
The statement reads:
"The European Weightlifting Federation strongly condemns the incident that resulted in one person burning the Azerbaijani flag during the Opening Ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship held in Yerevan on April 14, 2023.
EWF considers this extremely serious and regrettable gesture an attack on the integrity of sporting values and the universal principles of Fair Play.
EWF reacted immediately to this incident, expressed its firm position to the Organizing Committee and demanded additional guarantees for the safety of all participants of the competition. EWF was constantly with the delegation from the Republic of Azerbaijan and expressed its full solidarity and support with the athletes, coaches and officials.
We regret that the delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan had to leave the competition, but at the same time we respect it. Until the delegation left Armenia, we directly participated in ensuring all its security conditions.
EWF will consider taking further action in the context of the incident.
The EWF management will attend all the events of these Championships until the departure of the delegations to ensure that all safety conditions for the teams are met.
EWF remains in solidarity with the Azerbaijan Team and the Federation."