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Controversy grew over the Indonesian government’s denial of visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team on Saturday when the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) spoke about it.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe addressed the situation at a press conference early Saturday morning, saying he agreed with the latest concern about the situation expressed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a statement on Friday, ahead of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, which begin on Sunday.
“I agree [with] the statement from the IOC,” Watanabe said. “Sport is separate from politics. All athletes have an equal right to participate in the sporting event. The IOC and FIG must protect that right. It is for the Olympic Charter that we are writing.”
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International Gymnastics Federation president Morinari Watanabe Morinari speaks during a press conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, on January 30. (Fabrice Coffrini – Pool/Getty Images)
Watanabe added that the FIG “deeply regrets” the lack of protection for the Israeli gymnasts, but showed respect for the Indonesian government’s decision.
“At FIG, we deeply regret not being able to protect the rights of a country’s athletes this time. But on the other hand, with the global situation changing, how to protect participating athletes is a challenge,” he said.
“We have heard from the Indonesian government that this was a measure to ensure the safety of participating athletes, including one country’s athletes, and also people in the city of Jakarta city, so the reason is not political, that is what we hear.[ing].”
FIG Secretary General Nicolas Buompane added that the organization was also made aware of groups that could pose a threat with the Israeli team present.
“It is true that there have been some groups here in Indonesia who were not happy to see Israel’s delegation come and then made threats. So it is something that has been taken seriously,” Buompane said.
“What about the safety of all participants? That’s also something we commit to in our bylaws, to ensure the safety of all participants. So it’s difficult. And looking at the last few weeks, there were several events that happened.”
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Team Israel competes during the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group All-Around Final during the Paris Games at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in Paris, on August 10, 2024. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Buompane cited several other incidents of violence that occurred at international sporting events, which included the Israeli national team, in recent months. These instances included pro-Palestinian protests at the Tour de Spain, which caused the event to be temporarily stopped due to protests over Israeli cyclists and soccer matches with Israeli teams.
“The last days have been difficult, but we did everything we could, especially the president, non-stop, trying to find a solution at all, and then at a certain point you end up in a situation where there is nothing more you can do,” Buompane said.
Watanabe and Buompane were asked if they considered the Indonesian government’s decision a breach of the FIG bylaws, which protect the equal treatment and inclusion of athletes of any nation, and whether it would have consequences for the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.
Buompane indicated they did not consider it a breach and argued that other statutes that prioritize safety must also be considered.
“So it’s kind of a violation, but we also have a defense against it. Because you can’t just pull out one article that’s the one that everybody’s pointing to at this point, because there are others that will help us defend ourselves,” he said.
The IOC’s statement on Friday directly condemned the Indonesian government’s decision.
“The IOC’s position of principle is very clear: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC’s statement said statement.
Silver medalist Israel’s gymnasts celebrate after the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. (Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP)
“It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organizer and the sports organizations directly concerned to ensure that this principle is fully respected and that all necessary assurances are given by the relevant authorities in the host country in advance.”
The IOC also claimed that its officials will discuss the situation with Indonesia at its next meeting.
“Sports must remain a safe place for athletes to fulfill their dreams, and athletes must not be held accountable for political decisions,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Israel’s request for intervention.
The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) released a statement on the sanction.
“The rules are clear and Indonesia’s actions are a flagrant breach of them. It is inconceivable that a country could prevent another nation from competing in a World Cup while the governing bodies stand by,” the statement read, via the BBC.
“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it deals a serious blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment.”
Indonesia was previously stripped of the right to host soccer’s U20 World Cup when Bali’s governor refused to host Team Israel in a match.
