In the Ukraine war, the world judo association recently revoked Putin as honorary president. Now he and a childhood friend are losing all offices.
the essentials in brief
- Putin and his childhood friend Arkady Rotenberg were relieved of all judo offices.
- The world judo association gave no reason for the measure.
- The Ukraine war was cited as the reason for Putin’s suspension as honorary president.
The World Judo Federation has removed Russian President Vladimir Putin and his childhood friend and oligarch Arkady Rotenberg from all offices. In the short message from the IJB on Sunday, no reason was given for the measure. There was also no reference to the Ukraine war.
The world association had already suspended Putin (69) as honorary president and ambassador of the sport last week. At the time, he called the “ongoing war conflict in Ukraine” in his statement.
Kremlin chief Putin is himself a black belt holder. Rotenberg retained his post as a member of the Executive Committee until this Sunday. The 70-year-old is considered a close confidante and supporter of Putin. Both were among others in the same judo club in their childhood.
Ukraine War: Huge Influence of Russia in Judo
A week ago, Sergei Soloweitschik also announced his resignation as President of the European Judo Federation. The Russian had led the EJU since 2007.
In judo, the influence of Russia is enormous. World Association President Marius Vizer is considered a friend of Putin. In addition, the two most important associations (IJF and EJU) are supported by numerous Russian companies.
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