Slovakia Refuses Schengen Visa to Russian Wrestler Ahead of European Championships
Slovakia Denies Schengen Visa to Russian Champion Wrestler Sadulaev Ahead of 2025 European Wrestling Championships
Slovakia has denied a Schengen visa to Abdulrashid Sadulaev, one of the world’s most decorated wrestlers, preventing his participation in the 2025 European Wrestling Championships. The event, hosted in Slovakia for the first time in 27 years, is taking place from April 7 to April 13, and features nearly 1,000 top wrestlers from across Europe.
Visa Denial Sparks Outrage From Russian Officials
Mikhail Mamiashvili, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation, strongly condemned the decision, claiming that the visa denial was politically motivated, according to reports from Russian media. He described Slovakia’s move as a loss for the integrity of the championships, given Sadulaev’s unparalleled track record.
Sadulaev is widely regarded as a legend in the sport, holding titles such as:
- 2x Olympic Champion
- 4x European Champion
- 6x World Champion
Russian authorities expressed frustration, especially after previously being assured that Sadulaev’s visa would be approved and issued on time.
EU Divided on Visa Policy for Russian Citizens
Sadulaev’s visa denial comes amid continued divisions within the EU over how to handle visa applications from Russian citizens. While some member states have tightened or halted Schengen visa issuance for Russians, others continue to process applications without major restrictions.
Recent data presented at the EU Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs revealed that in 2024, Schengen member states issued a total of 565,069 visas to Russian passport holders, representing a 25% increase compared to 2023. Notably, 90% of those visas were for tourism.
In response to these numbers, Latvia’s Interior Minister, Rihards Kozlovskis, urged the EU to suspend all visa issuance to Russian nationals, stating that “business as usual” cannot continue given current geopolitical tensions.
Latvia is among six EU countries that have completely suspended the issuance of tourist visas for Russians, underscoring the bloc’s ongoing debate over migration and travel policy amid Russia’s global standing.
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