posted on the FILA website on Feb. 18, 2013 by acting FILA President Nenad Lalovic

FILA takes its responsibly very seriously on behalf of all the 180 affiliated National Federations and all the wrestlers in the world. We understand the IOC recommendation and respect the process. As a sport, we are willing to undertake all the necessary steps for our sport to remain on the core program of the Olympic Games.
 
The world of wrestling is understandably disappointed by the IOC Executive Board’s recommendation to remove wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games program. We see this as an opportunity which could be a positive turning point for our sport. One thing is for certain : it is our responsibility alone to address the issues that led to this situation. We are listening to the IOC’s concerns and learning from their guidance. We must strive to improve our sport’s Olympic offering in order to retain our position on the Olympic program and evolve with the times.
 
On behalf of FILA and the entire wrestling community, we thank Mr. Raphaël Martinetti for his huge contribution and his lifelong service to the sport.