IOC recommends no international events in Indonesia after Israeli gymnasts ban

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that no international sporting events be held in Indonesia after the country Israeli banned National gymnastics team from the World Championships in Jakarta. In addition, the IOC is ending any discussions with Indonesia regarding hosting a future Olympic Games.

He added, “These actions deprive athletes of their right to peaceful competition and prevent the Olympic movement from demonstrating the power of sport.” International Olympic Committee The Executive Council said in a statement.

An Indonesian government official announced earlier this month that Israeli athletes would be denied visas to participate in the tournament, which began on October 19. The Israeli team included 2020 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgobiat in the men’s floor exercise.

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Team Israel competes during the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final on day 15 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Porte de la Chapelle Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians. The scheduled participation of Israeli athletes sparked strong opposition within the country. The International Olympic Committee initially condemned the sanctions in a statement issued on Friday.

“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.

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.”

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In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Indonesia said it would not grant visas to the Israeli team due to the war in Gaza. Then, 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.

“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.”

Federation Internationale de Gymnastics (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe spoke out and addressed the issue on Saturday at the World Championships.

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

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]”.

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.

Now, Indonesia’s latest penalty is just the latest example of restrictions imposed on Israeli sports teams and fans in recent months, in a growing trend.

the Israeli Prime Minister The Tech cycling team has been disqualified from the upcoming race in Italy, the Giro dell’Emilia, scheduled for October 4, due to possible sabotage. Pro-Palestinian protests.

The Europa League, Europe’s largest soccer body, is reportedly moving towards a vote on whether to suspend Israel’s membership over the war in Gaza in September.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that no action would be taken against the team on October 3. He later reportedly met privately at FIFA headquarters with the head of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, and praised his organization “for its resilience at this time,” according to the Associated Press.

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

Meanwhile, fans of Israeli teams have been banned from attending recent major events as well.

Fans Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv FC was banned from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham, England, on November 6, due to safety concerns, after the team’s fans were attacked in Amsterdam during a match against Ajax last fall.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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