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IOC expresses ‘great concern’ over Indonesian ban on Israeli gymnasts

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The International Olympic Committee on Friday hit out at the Indonesian government’s refusal to issue visas for Israeli athletes at the upcoming gymnastics World Championships.

Last week, Indonesian authorities denied Israeli gymnasts entry visas for the championships that start on Sunday, before the Israeli Gymnastics Federation appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding that it either guaranteed their athletes’ presence or forced a move or cancellation of the event.

But CAS rejected the appeal, meaning that Israeli athletes will not compete in the October 19-23 championships in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

In a statement released on Friday, the IOC expressed “great concern” over the Indonesian decision and said it would “discuss the specific situation” of the Asian country at its next Executive Board meeting.

“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all eligible athletes,........

© The Times of Israel