The Judo Federation of Moldova faces disciplinary and administrative penalties. Punishment will be imposed if the current administration of the federation, led by Veaceslav Manloachi, does not resign following the transfer of the best judokas to the United Arab Emirates.

“We will not have judo in Moldova until the federation is headed by Veaceslav Manolachi. He disobeyed the orders and should resign,” acting Minister of Youth and Sport Octavian Ticu told a news conference, adding that an alternative federation should be created, while its members should be chosen according to transparent criteria. 

The minister said the changes inside the federation must take place not later than July 17, when the World Universiade closes. “Changes are needed inside this federation. It must be managed by persons who have a say in judo. The grace period is between July 4 and 17. Otherwise, we have the support of the National Olympic Committee to ask the International Judo Federation to disqualify the national federation,” said Ticu.

He confirmed that the Prosecutor General’s Office started an investigation into the transfer of the six judokas to the United Arab Emirates. “The investigation covers Veaceslav Manolachi, the federation’s secretary general Dumitru Esanu, and coaches Vasile Colta and Ion Cujba. Moreover, the International Federation sent the copies of athletes’ passports to us. This shows that the transfer was made long ago,” said the minister.  

This spring, six Moldovan judokas, including the leaders of the national squad Sergiu Toma, Victor Skvortsov and Ion Remarenko, were allowed to represent the United Arab Emirates at international competitions, with the consent of the Judo Federation of Moldova.