European Championship in Baku may take place without fans

"Italian karatekas want to take part in the European Championship. There are some problems with their departure from the country as there are no planes to fly them. That's the reason why the situation is complicated. They will arrive if possible," President of the National Karate Federation Yashar Bashirov told Report, commenting on the news about the Italian team's refusal to visit Baku for participation in the European Championship.

The federation chief also touched upon the request of the Italian Federation of Judo, Karate, and Martial Arts to postpone the tournament. "I also want many things for myself, but it does not depend on my desires and wishes. Things do not work this way. We should take a more serious approach to things."

Bashirov also noted that he is going to speak to the President of the World and European Karate Federation (WKF), Antonio Espinosa, today. "I expect a call from Espinoza shortly. There are questions of entry to Baku, which he is interested in. In other words, he wants to ask about the situation in Baku. He has a right to be aware of the current conditions. I will tell him that preparations for the European Championship proceed at the highest pace. There have been no discussions about its cancellation yet. And there is a possibility that the European Championship will take place without spectators."

The European Championship is set to take place from March 25 to March 29 at the National Gymnastics Arena.