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Israel Gymnastics Appeals Indonesia Visa Ban as FIG Stops Short of Sanction

Indonesia cites solidarity with Palestinians in refusing entry to the Israeli team.

Overview

  • Indonesia has denied visas to Israeli athletes for the Oct. 19–25 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, with the host federation confirming the team will not attend.
  • The Israel Gymnastics Federation has filed an urgent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport seeking an injunction to allow participation, including for Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat.
  • Gymnastics’ governing body said it “takes note” of the decision and did not announce any move to strip Indonesia of hosting rights despite statutes requiring host entry for all member federations.
  • A UK Lawyers for Israel letter to FIG argues the ban breaches FIG rules and urges immediate cancellation of the event allocation if visas are not granted.
  • Indonesian officials referenced opposition from religious leaders and local authorities and reiterated the country’s policy of no engagement with Israel pending recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state.