International Olympic Committee Condemns Indonesia for Denying Visas to Israeli Gymnasts
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has strongly condemned Indonesia for denying visas to Israel’s national gymnastics team. This denial affects their participation in the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, scheduled to begin on October 10, 2025, in Jakarta.
IOC’s Statement on Visa Denial
The IOC’s statement emphasizes the need for all eligible athletes and teams to participate in international competitions without discrimination. They reaffirmed the principles of political neutrality and non-discrimination as outlined in the Olympic Charter. The organization holds that it is the responsibility of the host country to ensure compliance with these values.
Concerns Raised by Israel
The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) responded to the situation, labeling Indonesia’s actions as a blatant violation of sports regulations. The IGF expressed disappointment that a nation could bar another from competing while governing bodies seem passive. They stated that such decisions undermine the foundation of sport and negatively impact the morale of dedicated athletes and support staff.
Context of the Denial
- Indonesia cited the ongoing conflict in Gaza as the reason for the visa denial.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Israel’s request for intervention shortly after the visa denial.
Recent Trends in Sport and Politics
This incident is part of a broader trend of restrictions faced by Israeli sports teams. Notably, Indonesia had previously been stripped of its hosting rights for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup due to similar political tensions.
Impact on Israeli Teams
- The Israel Premier Tech cycling team was barred from the Giro dell’Emilia race on October 4, 2025, due to concerns over protests.
- UEFA considered measures to suspend Israeli teams in light of escalating tensions, although FIFA later decided against punitive action.
Furthermore, Israeli fans have recently faced restrictions attending various sporting events, heightening the feeling of isolation during international competitions.
Future Discussions
The IOC plans to address this issue with Indonesian officials at their next meeting, reaffirming that sports should remain a safe space free from political influence. The situation illustrates the increasingly complex relationship between sports and international politics, with athletes often caught in the crossfire.
