FIG president addresses Indonesia’s denial of visas to Israeli gymnasts

Controversy grew around the Indonesian government Denial of visas To the Israeli national gymnastics team on Saturday, when the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) spoke about it.

FIFA President Morinari Watanabe spoke about the situation at a press conference early Saturday morning, saying he agreed with the recent concern about the situation expressed by the government. International Olympic Committee (The International Olympic Committee) in a statement today, Friday, ahead of the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, which begins on Sunday.

“I agree [with] “IOC statement. Sport is separate from politics. All athletes have an equal right to participate in a sporting event. The IOC and IUCN must protect this right. This is for the Olympic Charter that we are writing,” Watanabe said.

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International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe speaks during a press conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, January 30. (Fabrice Coffrini/Pool/Getty Images)

Watanabe added that the International Gymnastics Federation “deeply regrets” the lack of protection for Israeli gymnasts but indicated respect for the Indonesian government’s decision.

He said, “At the International Federation, we deeply regret that we are unable to protect the rights of athletes in one country this time. But on the other hand, as the global situation changes, how to protect participating athletes represents a challenge.”

“We heard from the Indonesian government that this was a measure to ensure the safety of the participating athletes, including athletes from one country, as well as residents of the city, the city of Jakarta, so the reason is not political, that is what we are hearing.”[ing]”.

FIFA Secretary General Nicolas Pompan added that the organization was also aware of groups that could pose a threat to the Israeli team’s presence.

“It is true that some groups here in Indonesia were not happy to see the Israeli delegation coming and then made threats. So, this is something that was taken into consideration seriously,” Bompani said.

“What about the security of all participants? This is also something we commit to in our platform, to ensure the security of all participants. So, it is difficult. And when we look at the past weeks, there have been many events that have occurred.”

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Team Israel competes during the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris Games at Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, August 10, 2024. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Bompani cited several other cases of violence that have occurred at international sporting events involving the Israeli national team in recent months. These instances included pro-Palestinian protests at the Tour de España, which led to the event being temporarily halted amidst Protests against Israeli cyclistsAnd soccer matches featuring Israeli teams.

“The last days were difficult, but we did everything we could, especially the president, without stopping, trying to find a solution at all, and then, at a certain point, you end up in a situation where there is nothing else you can do,” Bompani said.

Watanabe and Bompani were asked whether they considered the Indonesian government’s decision to be a violation of the International Gymnastics Federation’s laws protecting equal treatment and inclusion of athletes in each country and whether this would lead to consequences for the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.

Bompan noted that they do not consider this a violation, claiming that other laws that prioritize safety must also be taken into account.

He added: “So, it is a violation in a way, but we have a defense on this as well. Because you cannot extract just one article, which is what everyone is pointing at this moment, because there are other articles that will help us defend ourselves.”

The International Olympic Committee’s statement on Friday directly condemned the Indonesian government’s decision.

“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all qualified athletes, teams and sports officials should be able to participate in international sporting competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host nation, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, independence and political neutrality governing the Olympic Movement,” the IOC statement said.

Israeli gymnasts celebrate after the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, on August 10, 2024. (Lionel Bonaventura/AFP)

He added: “It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organizer and the sports organizations directly concerned to ensure that this principle is fully respected and that all necessary guarantees are provided by the competent authorities of the host country in advance.”

The IOC also claimed that its officials would discuss the situation with Indonesia at its next meeting.

The statement added: “Sports must remain a safe space for athletes to achieve their dreams, and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions.”

On Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Israel’s request to intervene.

The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) issued a statement addressing the punishment.

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“The rules are clear and Indonesia’s actions constitute a flagrant violation of them,” the statement said via the BBC. “It is unconscionable for one country to prevent another country from competing in the World Championships while the governing bodies stand by.”

He added: “This decision undermines the foundations of sport and fair competition, and deals a severe blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment.”

Indonesia was previously stripped of its right to host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup when the governor of Bali refused to host the Israel team in a match.

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