IOC Condemns Indonesia’s Visa Ban on Israeli Gymnastics Team

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed strong disapproval of the Indonesian government’s recent decision to impose sanctions on the Israeli national gymnastics team.

As the 53rd FIG Gymnastics World Championships approaches in Jakarta, starting Sunday, the Indonesian authorities have refused entry visas to Israeli participants.

The IOC’s statement emphasized, “Our position is straightforward: all eligible athletes, teams, and sports personnel must be allowed to take part in international events without discrimination by the host nation, as outlined in the Olympic Charter. This is all about non-discrimination, autonomy, and political neutrality that underpin the Olympic Movement.”

They went on to clarify that it is the host country’s responsibility, including the organizers and relevant sports bodies, to uphold this principle, ensuring all necessary assurances are in place beforehand.

The IOC added that the situation would be discussed with Indonesia in their next meeting.

“Sports should serve as a safe haven for athletes to pursue their goals, and they shouldn’t bear the burden of political decisions,” the statement concluded.

Indonesia has blocked visas for the Israeli team citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

On Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied Israel’s request for intervention regarding the matter.

The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) responded to the sanctions with a statement, commenting, “The rules are clear. Indonesia’s actions clearly violate them. It’s simply unfathomable that one country could obstruct another’s participation in a world championship, especially with the governing body looking on.” They expressed that such decisions threaten the core principles of their sport and dampen the morale of their gymnasts and staff who have worked hard to prepare.

Indonesia had previously lost the right to host the U-20 World Cup after its governor refused to accommodate the Israeli national team.

These recent sanctions against the IGF are part of a troubling pattern of restrictions on Israeli sports teams and fans that have emerged in recent months.

The Israeli Premier Tech cycling team has also been withdrawn from the upcoming Giro dell’Emiglia on October 4 in Italy, due to potential disruptions from pro-Palestinian protests.

Moreover, the UEFA Europa League is reportedly close to suspending Israel’s participation due to the Gaza War, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated on October 3 that the team would not face any disciplinary action.

He later met privately with the Palestinian Football Federation President Djibril Rajoub at FIFA headquarters, commending the federation’s resilience during these challenging times.

In addition, fans of the Israeli squad have faced bans from attending significant events recently.

For instance, supporters of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team are prohibited from attending a Europa League match in Birmingham, England, on November 6 due to safety concerns following an attack during a match against Ajax in Amsterdam last fall.

In a related context, President Donald Trump facilitated a historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last week, during which Hamas released the last 20 living hostages held in Gaza, while Israel freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.