Joe Ellis, the chairman of the National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS), claimed the WKF's non-inclusive rules hindered the sport's bid to gain a place in the Olympics.

 

Ellis said: "While we recognise the large contribution that Antonio Espinos has made to international karate the IOC's (International Olympic Committee) decision not to include karate in the 2016 Games, as well as London 2012, indicates that the leadership of the WKF is a hindrance rather than the driving force behind the progress and development of karate on a global scale.

 

"The IOC's decision will come as a major blow to Britain's karate athletes and the sport as a whole, but it is the WKF which has prevented karate from qualifying for the Games.

 

"The international karate community needs fresh leadership in the WKF."

 

Karate came close to being included in the London 2012 Olympics.

 

Along with squash, it was put forward to replace baseball and softball but both failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority required under the IOC's Charter at its Session in Singapore in July 2005.

 

The rules have since been changed so rugby sevens and golf will require only a simple majority when they are put forward at the IOC Session in Copenhagen on October 9.

 

The two sports were chosen ahead of baseball, karate, roller sports softball and squash by the IOC's ruling Executive Board at a meeting in Berlin last Thursday.

 

NAKMAS have now written to Espinos, a Spaniard, calling for his resignation and claiming that WKF governing rules have prevented the sport from meeting the IOC's criteria.

 

Ellis said: "The IOC states inclusiveness and good governance are criteria Olympic qualification, but WKF's rules state that member clubs of the WKF cannot have links with non-members, which in my view is anything but inclusive and goes against the equality policies that sport demands.

 

"While NAKMAS and other national governing bodies have embraced equality and inclusion initiatives, the WKF have sadly failed, and that means karate will not get the global recognition it deserves on the Olympic stage.