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Controversy grew on Saturday over the Indonesian government’s denial of visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team, when the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) spoke out on the matter.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe addressed the situation in a press conference early Saturday morning, saying he agrees with recent concerns about the situation expressed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a statement on Friday, ahead of the 53rd FIG World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, which begins on Sunday.
“I agree [with] “The IOC statement,” Watanabe said. “Sport is separate from politics. All athletes have the same right to participate in the sporting event. The IOC and the FIG must protect that right. This is for the Olympic charter we are writing.”
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International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe Morinari speaks during a news conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, on January 30. (Fabrice Coffrini – Swimming Pool/Getty Images)
Watanabe added that the FIG “deeply regrets” the lack of protection for Israeli gymnasts, but expressed respect for the Indonesian government’s decision.
“We at the FIG deeply regret not being able to protect the rights of a country’s athletes this time. But on the other hand, with the global situation changing, how to protect participating athletes is a challenge,” he said.
“We have heard from the Indonesian government that this was a measure to ensure the safety of participating athletes, including athletes from one country, and also the people of the city, the city of Jakarta, so the reason is not political, this is what we heard.[ing]”.
FIG Secretary General Nicolas Buompane added that the organization was also informed of groups that could pose a threat with the Israeli team present.
“It is true that there have been some groups here in Indonesia that were not happy to see the Israeli delegation coming and then made threats. So this is something that has been seriously taken into account,” Buompane said.
“What about the safety of all participants? This is also something we commit to in our bylaws, to ensure the safety of all participants. So it’s difficult. And when we look at the last few weeks, several events occurred.”
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Team Israel competes during the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris Games at the Porte de La Chapelle stadium in Paris, August 10, 2024. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Buompane cited several other cases of violence that occurred at international sporting events that included the Israeli national team in recent months. These cases included pro-Palestinian protests at the Tour of Spain, which caused the event to be temporarily stopped amid protests by Israeli cyclists and soccer matches involving Israeli teams.
“The last few days have been difficult, but we did everything we could, especially the president, non-stop, trying to find any solution, and then at a certain point you end up in a situation where there is nothing else you can do,” Buompane said.
Watanabe and Buompane were asked if they considered the Indonesian government’s decision to be a violation of the FIG statutes that protect equal treatment and inclusion of athletes from each nation, and if that would have consequences for the Indonesian gymnastics federation.
Buompane indicated that they do not consider it a non-compliance, arguing that other laws that prioritize safety must also be considered.
“So in a way it’s a violation, but we also have a defense on that. Because you can’t just pull one article, which is the one that everyone is pointing to right now, because there are others that will help us defend ourselves,” he said.
Friday’s statement from the IOC directly condemned the Indonesian government’s decision.
“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sporting competitions and events without any discrimination by the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC statement reads.
Silver medalist Israeli gymnasts celebrate after the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Porte de la Chapelle stadium in Paris, August 10, 2024. (Lionel BUENAVENTURA / AFP)
“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 in advance by the relevant authorities of the host country.”
The IOC also stated that its officials will discuss the situation with Indonesia at their next meeting.
“Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to fulfill their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions,” the statement added.
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 sanction.
“The rules are clear and Indonesia’s actions constitute a flagrant violation of them. It is inconceivable that a country can ban another nation from competing in a World Championship while the governing bodies stand by,” the statement read, via the BBC.
“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and deals a severe blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly to reach this moment.”
Previously, Indonesia was stripped of its right to host the U-20 soccer World Cup when the governor of Bali refused to host the Israeli team in a match.
