The Ministry of Education and Research will notify law enforcement agencies and request the return of funds granted in 2023-2024 to the National Karate-Do Federation (WKF). At the same time, funding for the current year will be suspended, and the MEC will ask the international federation to withdraw its membership status after an internal audit revealed serious irregularities and falsification of documents in the management of public funds, IPN reports, citing a press release from the institution.
The audit revealed that some of the funds allocated for training athletes and their participation in international competitions were used improperly. Among the irregularities were the presentation of results for athletes who competed in karate disciplines not authorized at the international level, the falsification of signatures on official documents, and the double reimbursement of certain expenses. Furthermore, for some events, there is no evidence that the athletes actually participated in them.
The ministry will notify the competent authorities to investigate whether there are any criminal indications. If the reported irregularities are confirmed, the cooperation agreement could be terminated and the federation could even be dissolved.
“We will continue to support athletes and structures that operate in accordance with the legal norms, but we cannot tolerate the lack of responsibility when it comes to taxpayers’ money”, stated Minister Dan Perciun, quoted in the press release.
In 2025, the MEC allocated 1.17 million lei to the National Karate-Do Federation for the federation’s activities and the athletes’ results.
The Federation has not yet commented on the MEC’s accusations.
