We transmit his announcement in full:
"Regarding the shameful and illegal decision of the Judo Federation of Montenegro to suspend my judo club "Ippon" and me personally for one year, I feel obliged to point out to the sports public and institutions the background to this act, which represents the height of hypocrisy and a direct attack on the youngest athletes."
The alleged reason for the suspension and the “draconian” punishment is that I allowed two girls, aged seven and nine, to compete for my club. What the public needs to know is that I did this because their previous club had initiated disciplinary proceedings against them – the girls aged seven and nine! This act is completely outside all legal, sporting and moral principles.
I would like to point out that the girls did not have any contract, nor did they commit any offense on the basis of which disciplinary proceedings could be conducted.
Instead of the Judo Federation, led by Jovica Rečević, protecting these children and their parents from such persecution, they decided to provide protection to the man who tried to chase them off the tatami and make them hate judo.
They punished me because I reached out to those kids and allowed them to continue playing the sport they love.
I must point out that, as a three-time Olympian and world vice-champion, I am extremely uncomfortable with being forced to address a man who has never played sports in his life in this way, but unfortunately, we live in a system where people without any sports background can perform the highest sports functions and make decisions based on personal frustrations and complexes.
Mr. Rečević, your decision is legally null and void, but what is much sadder, it is HUMANLY SHAMEFUL!
The fact that the Judo Club "Ippon" is the only club that you have never visited or provided the slightest bit of support to, even though we have over 120 participants after only a year of existence, clearly speaks volumes about you and your fairness.
I want to say to you and the public:
If I could turn back time, I would do it all over again!
I understand that no child is important to you, but every child is precious to me.
The policies and foundations of our club are based on love, respect, strength, courage, friendship, and we will fight for every child who comes to our club.
For me, this suspension is valid and important exactly as much as you yourself are important to judo and sport in general – so it is completely meaningless.
Now, even if you want to, you can't come to our club anymore. The doors of "Ippon" are permanently closed to you.
Time will show that your suspensions are just papers with no weight, while our results will be eternal. You continue to engage in intrigues, brokering and lying to the public that you are super successful in running the federation, and we will deal with medals – each with what they know best.
President, you are disqualified! ", reads the statement of the former world vice-champion and the man who defended the colors of Montenegro at the Olympic Games three times.
