Armenian wrestlers to participate in World Wrestling Cup in Azerbaijan next year

Azerbaijan Youth and Sport minister Azad Rehimov and Wrestling Federation president Abbas Abbasov took part in the congress too. FILA deprived Azerbaijan of organizing the World Championship 2007 due to the country's not being able to ensure safety of all sportsmen.

The cause is the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the sportsmen of these countries not participating in the competitions hosted by Baku and Yerevan, APA reports.

The other cause is the letter of the International Olympic Committee in which Azerbaijan was shown as problematic region. FILA President Rafael Martinetti said Azerbaijan cannot host competitions that issue license.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Ismayil Ismayilov told that Azerbaijan prepares for the World Cup. He stated the possibility of Armenian sportsmen’s participation in the tournament.

"Everything is possible. The problem is being solved now," he said.

Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation's president Metleb Abdullayev told that the World Cup 2007 will take place in Azerbaijan.

"The Federation will create an opportunity for Armenian sportsmen to participate in the tournament in Baku. If they refuse to come, they will benefit from "fall cart" and will gain license to Olympic Games," he said.

According to the regulations, 1/4 finalists of the world championship gain direct license to Olympic Games.