Taekwondo Coach Banned for Slapping 8-Year-Old Daughter After Losing in European Championship

At the European Children’s Taekwondo Championship in Tirana, Albania, a Kosovan taekwondo coach was suspended after an incident involving his young daughter that left many shocked and concerned.

After eight-year-old Valina Fetiu lost to Serbian competitor Nina Savic in her final match in the six-to-eight age category, her father and coach, Valmir Fetiu, reacted with unexpected force.

She approached him, and he took off her head guard.

The young girl collapsed to the floor, and the coach yanked her back up before slapping her in the face, causing her head to whip from the force.

A referee, observing this, quickly intervened to prevent any further escalation.

Following that, her father left and she was seen with another fellow official who consoled her before leaving.

The moment was captured on video, and it rapidly circulated online, leading to widespread criticism of Fetiu’s behavior.

The European Taekwondo Union, responsible for the competition, responded by banning Fetiu from all events for six months, both domestically and internationally, stating that his conduct was unacceptable “physically aggressive” and at odds with the Union’s commitment to protecting young athletes’ well-being.

Outcry from the Public and Advocacy Organizations

After the video went viral, child advocacy groups swiftly condemned the coach’s actions. On November 11, 2024, the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations for Child Protection (KOMF) condemned the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

They emphasized the negative impact of physical punishment on a child’s mental and emotional well-being, particularly in sports.

KOMF argued that any form of violence poses risks to a child’s development, encouraging sports organizations to implement stronger protections to prevent similar incidents.

They emphasized the importance of establishing clear internal protocols so that sports organizations can address and report any issues involving the rights and safety of young athletes.

The Coach’s Response and Public Reaction

In an interview with Klan Kosova, cited by Kossev, Fetiu defended his actions, explaining that he intended to ‘calm’ his daughter. He claimed he simply wanted to reassure her, reminding her that despite the loss, she had still achieved runner-up and had future chances to win.

However, his explanation failed to quell the public’s anger. Many people pointed out that disciplining a child so publicly and harshly can create fear and damage their confidence, especially in a competitive setting.

KOMF and similar organizations have called for expanded education and training for coaches, focusing on how to provide constructive support to young athletes in challenging moments.

Calls for Reform in Youth Sports

The incident has sparked discussions on policy changes in youth sports. KOMF and other advocacy groups are calling for mandatory child protection training for coaches and better reporting procedures. They stress that youth sports should be a safe space where children feel encouraged, even after a loss.

KOMF stressed that ensuring children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility and called for a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive without pressure.

Watch the video here:

8 year old girl from Kosovo Valine Fetiu gets slapped by her coach, for losing taekwondo final against opponent from Serbia (Nina Savic 8), in a competition in Albania for 6 to 8 year olds. Coach got a 6 month suspension.
byu/SpiritedWall82 insports