Fifty-one prominent figures in international karate, including world champions and referees, have signed a letter urging the suspension of the Karate Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and calling for protective mechanisms for Iranian athletes to compete under the WKF or IOC flags. The letter alleges links between the federation and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, citing the killing of athletes and restrictions on competing against Israeli opponents. The WKF, IOC, and Iranian authorities have not yet responded.

Dozens of English karate athletes, coaches, and referees have been barred from participating in the World Karate Federation (WKF) European Championships in Limassol due to safeguarding and governance concerns. A complaint to Athlete365, the IOC's athlete engagement platform, highlighted the lack of a clear safeguarding framework within the WKF, stemming from ongoing conflicts within British karate. The situation has led to the exclusion of many from WKF-sanctioned events, impacting athletes like Tyler Jones. The English Karate Federation (EKF) continues to operate independently despite the emergence of ENKGB, and the WKF's recognition of the British Karate Federation over the home nations is a contributing factor. The EKF recently held an AGM, resolving to change its legal status to a Community Interest Company (CIC).

Recent incidents at the Karate1 Series A event in Tbilisi, where an Iranian athlete refused to compete against an Israeli opponent, have highlighted a recurring pattern of Iranian athletes avoiding Israeli competitors. The World Karate Federation (WKF) has faced criticism for its largely silent response to these politically motivated withdrawals, which violate the Olympic Charter's principles of non-discrimination and fair play. Similar incidents have occurred in previous years, with the WKF sometimes facilitating symbolic matches to preserve ranking points. These actions raise concerns about the WKF's ability to enforce anti-discrimination rules and uphold the ideals of Olympism, with other nations like Kuwait also exhibiting similar behavior. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) may face pressure to address the issue.

The World Karate Federation (WKF) significantly enhanced its clean sport initiatives in 2025 by expanding educational outreach programs. Collaborating with the International Testing Agency (ITA) and national anti-doping organizations, the WKF delivered numerous seminars, workshops, and interactive learning tools, reaching over 800 participants globally. Key focus areas included athlete rights, prohibited substances, and therapeutic use exemptions. The federation's commitment to long-term leadership is demonstrated through the International Clean Sport Educator Program, with athletes like Douglas Brosere serving as mentors. WKF President Antonio Espinós emphasized the organization's dedication to a clean and fair future for karate.

The World Karate Federation's (WKF) 'Guardian Girls' programme, aimed at empowering women coaches and tackling gender-based violence, has significantly expanded in 2025, reaching over 30 countries across Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Supported by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative focuses on long-term sustainability, scientific validation, and relies on national federations for continued success. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the programme's effectiveness in reducing the gender gap in coaching.