He’s facing a 5 month ban.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) is defending its decision to suspend Serbian judo champion Nemanja Majdov for five months after he made the sign of the cross during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The federation stated that this action, along with other breaches of its code of conduct, violated regulations that prohibit the display of religious symbols during competitions. This suspension will keep Majdov sidelined until early next year.
According to the IJF’s Disciplinary Commission, Majdov’s suspension was due to his visible religious gesture when entering the competition area and his refusal to bow to his opponent after the match. Additionally, his actions were complicated by an incident in which he removed his judogi (uniform) during the competition. The federation announced the decision on August 31, emphasizing the need to maintain neutrality on the field of play.
In response to the suspension, Majdov expressed his disappointment in a September 15 Instagram post but reaffirmed his commitment to his faith. He noted that his relationship with God remains his priority, declaring, “The Lord has given me everything, and I am proud of that.” He underscored that his beliefs would not waver regardless of the situation.
The IJF reiterated that its rules are designed to uphold neutrality in competition, respecting all cultures and beliefs among its members. The federation highlighted that the competition area should solely reflect judo-specific symbols, ensuring equality for all athletes. The IJF pointed out that Majdov had received prior warnings for similar infractions in 2018 and 2022, indicating that repeated violations would lead to disciplinary action.
Despite the suspension, Majdov remains determined to return to judo in the following year. He reflected on his career, acknowledging his accomplishments, which include seven European and three world medals, while expressing his regret that such a respected sport as judo has faced these challenges. He views this suspension as merely a new chapter in his life and career.