Raičević: Karate needs people who "don't iron out relationships", but respect the ancient code

Montenegrin karate referee with the highest title in the combat discipline, Toko Raičević, after the inconvenience caused by the public announcement of the need for a change in the leadership of the world WKF and the European federation EKF, both functions being combined into one by Spaniard Antonio Espinosa, experienced inconvenience during the European Championship for Cadets, Juniors and Young Seniors in Limassol.

Raičević was suspended by the parent Karate Federation of Montenegro, without explaining the decision, which nevertheless came after the EKF Referee A addressed the public.

"I am accused of contacting the Balkan Federation (BKF) and the European Federation (EKF) without the knowledge of the parent federation, and of publicly expressing views that are contrary to the principles and positions of the KSCG. More precisely, of not respecting the Statute and endangering the unity of the Federation and its integrity," Raičević said, adding:

"Since I document everything I do, my address was not without the knowledge of the Federation, but I immediately and first addressed them and since there was no response in five days, and as a member of the Referee Commission of Montenegro, and as a member of the Referee Commission of the Balkans, instead of responding to sending questions to the EKF and BKF, the KSCG administration informed me that they were "ironing out the matter". I do not want anything to be ironed out," Raičević said.

Divisions and disagreements, the formation of two factions have been shaking the trophy-winning Federation for a year and a half. The previous administration managed to win the organization of the European Senior Championship in Yerevan, which was a great victory but also the trigger for the beginning of the division into two camps.

"Since the KSCG administration won't do it, I personally sent inquiries, hired a lawyer to protect my rights, dignity and the violations of the code in this ancient sport by the first man in world karate. The code was forgotten by some "little" people, who "wandered" into our Federation, who sent my announcement given to a Montenegrin television station with English subtitles to Espinosa," says Raičević.

Espinosa has consolidated the most important functions - he has been at the head of the WKF since 1998, and a year earlier he took over the leadership of the EKF.

"The time has come for people without shame to want to manage karate. Imagine, an ancient sport and one of the basic ones has, thanks to controversial articles of the Statute, been eliminated from the Olympic Games program. Our competitors for world medals receive six times less, although the competition from the Tokyo Olympics has not disappeared. I have started a fight for respect for the code, and the interests of all competitors in the world of karate are for this sport to return to the Olympic program. Such voices are being heard more and more often in the world, and I will defend the personal dignity and well-being of karate," concluded Raičević.