World Taekwondo is facing criticism for its handling of an incident at the World Under-21 Taekwondo Championships in Nairobi where Iranian athlete Rozhan Goudarzi withdrew to avoid competing against an Israeli opponent. The federation's silence and the unexpected rule change that placed Goudarzi in this position have raised concerns about athlete protection and political neutrality. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of Iranian athletes facing pressure not to compete against Israelis, violating the Olympic Charter. Unlike the International Judo Federation, World Taekwondo has not taken a strong stance on the issue.

Boubacar Mangue Gaya of Niger received a two-year ban (October 12, 2025 - October 11, 2027) for a doping violation at the African Club Championships. The athlete tested positive for furosemide, a prohibited diuretic. His results from July 5 to October 12, 2025, are disqualified.

Kim has been officially confirmed as an ex-officio vice president of World Taekwondo following his election as president of the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) on July 24, succeeding Lee Kyu-seok. Kim's term began on July 30 and will continue until October 30, 2025. He secured 33 votes, narrowly defeating Yang Jin-bang. Kim, backed by Lee Kyu-seok, will serve a four-year term concluding in 2029. His vision focuses on growth, innovation, integration, and fairness. He has corporate and athletic experience, including leading a shipbuilding equipment company, and has supported the Afghanistan national team.

Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 12, won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Singapore, sparking debate about the appropriateness of young athletes competing at such high levels. While World Aquatics allows younger swimmers who meet qualifying standards, concerns have been raised about the pressure and potential risks to young athletes. Other federations like the International Skating Union, World Athletics, the International Gymnastics Federation, the International Federation of Sport Climbing, World Taekwondo and the International Hockey Federation have stricter age limits to protect young athletes.

World Taekwondo (WT) has launched an investigation into the Oceania Taekwondo Union (OTU) elections held on May 23, 2025, due to concerns raised by voting members regarding procedural errors and conflicts of interest. The OTU has not released the election results, and WT has replaced the OTU President's name on its website with 'Under Review.' The investigation was prompted by an unauthorized delegate casting a vote. WT requested the OTU Ad-hoc Election Committee (AHEC) to correct the outcome based on verified voter eligibility, but this request was not followed, leading WT to refer the matter to the OTU Council. Reports indicate a tie between incumbent OTU president John Kotsifas and Maher Magableh, with a disputed vote from American Samoa. WT ordered the nullification of American Samoa's vote and validation of another vote, shifting the tally in favor of Magableh. WT's investigation is ongoing.