The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday voiced serious concern over Indonesia’s decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes set to compete in the upcoming Gymnastics World Championships.
The move by Indonesian authorities last week effectively bars Israeli gymnasts from taking part in the event, which begins Sunday, prompting the Israeli Gymnastics Federation to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The federation urged either guaranteed participation for its athletes or relocation or cancellation of the championships.
However, CAS dismissed the appeal, confirming that Israeli athletes will not compete in the October 19–23 tournament, hosted by the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
In a statement released Friday, the IOC said it was “greatly concerned” by the situation and announced plans to review Indonesia’s conduct at its next Executive Board meeting.
“The IOC’s stance is clear: all eligible athletes, teams, and officials must be allowed to participate in international competitions without discrimination by the host country,” the statement read. “It is the direct responsibility of the host nation and organizing bodies to uphold this principle.”
The committee emphasized that sports must remain separate from political disputes, adding, “Athletes should not be punished or excluded for political reasons. Sport must remain a safe space where they can pursue their dreams.”
Indonesian authorities, however, defended their decision, saying the visa denial aligns with the country’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
Israel remains at war with the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza for over two years, where, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave, more than 67,900 people have been killed figures the United Nations deems credible.
Israel launched the war in response to Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
In July 2023, Indonesia pulled out of hosting the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games following controversy over Israel’s participation.
In March that year, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation.
Although both of those were before war broke out in Gaza.