After Indonesia denied visas to Israeli athletes seeking to participate in the Jakarta Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday rejected appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) to demand the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) take measures to ensure entry to athletes.
Indonesia had decided to deny Israeli gymnasts entry to the country on Friday, according to IGF and FIG statements. The Associated Press reported that Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who referenced the conflict in Gaza, said that the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation had withdrawn its sponsorship letter for its Israeli colleagues.
FIG had responded to the Indonesian decision by taking "note" and recognizing "the challenges that the host country has faced in organising this event."
"The FIG hopes that an environment will be created as soon as possible where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind," the international sporting body said on Friday.
IGF said that the statement had tacitly approved the Indonesian government's decision by declining to take a stance. The Israeli association said on Facebook on Saturday that it had filed appeals to CAS on the matter, warning that the Indonesian denial of visas ran "counter to the fundamental values of sports and fair competition, and one that constitutes a slippery slope precedent for excluding athletes based on political, religious, social considerations."
CAS rejected Friday and Monday appeals by the Israeli association and athletes, the first requesting an annulment of the FIG statement and the second seeking FIG take measures to ensure Israeli participation or cancel the October 19 event.
Israeli federation argues denial of visas is discrimination
IGF argued that the FIG executive committee had to pass a decision on a denial of visas, according to the body's own statutes. It was also contended that FIG's failure to respond represented a denial of justice, and thereby leveling discrimination against a member association.
FIG had reportedly asserted that it has no oversight on the issuance of entry visas, and the matter fell outside its purview.
IGF said on Facebook on Tuesday that the rejection of the appeals meant that the Israeli delegation would not be participating in the championship.
"We are so disappointed for the gymnasts, male and female, and professional teams, but not only. We are deeply concerned about the recent decisions that could negatively affect the future of all our delegations and the future of sport in general," said the IGF. "We continue the fight, hoping to achieve justice, but unfortunately we will no longer go to this World Championships."