The burning of the Azerbaijani flag during the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan, Armenia, has led to Azerbaijan's decision to withdraw its athletes from the competition due to concerns for their safety.

In a joint statement released by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the National Olympic Committee of the country, it was stated that "the presentation of the person who committed this act as a hero is a vivid example of ethnic hatred, racism, xenophobia, and Azerbaijanophobia in this country, which completely contradicts the principles of the noble goal of sports promoting peace and mutual understanding between peoples." The statement went on to call the politicization of sports "categorically unacceptable."

Due to concerns for the psychological pressure and security of Azerbaijani athletes in such a hostile atmosphere, it was decided to return the athletes to their homeland. The statement also called on the international community and international sports organizations to "strongly condemn this barbaric act" and impose sanctions against Armenia.

According to Azerbaijani telegram channels, members of the Azerbaijani delegation have purchased tickets for the Yerevan-Antalya flight, but are allegedly being held hostage by Armenian security forces under the pretext of security threats. The statement concludes by calling on Armenia to ensure the safe return of the Azerbaijani athletes.