Azeri athlete may be disqualified over disrespect to Armenian anthem

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Sambo Federation of Armenia has filed an official complaint to the International Amateur Sambo Federation (FIAS) and European Sambo Federation over the behavior of Azerbaijani athlete Bakhtiyar Abbasov who squatted as the Armenian national anthem was played at the Moscow World Cup Sambo competition, A1Plus reports.

The Press Service of the Armenian Sambo Federation reports that Sergey Eliseev, President of the Russian and European Sambo Federation, has publicly reprimanded Azerbaijani spotsman for his ‘unethical behavior.’

“This act is inadmissible for an athlete. This is unsporting behavior. This athlete does not deserve to be a winner of the World Cup. The disciplinary committee of the International Federation of Sambo must decide on the further participation in international tournaments of this athlete,” Eliseev said.

In his weight class, Abbasov came in third to Armenia’s Ashot Danielyan. According to Azerbaijani sources, Abbasov may be disqualified for two years. Besides, he will have to return the bronze medal he received during the Moscow-hosted Sambo competition.