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Controversy intensified on Saturday over the Indonesian government’s refusal to grant visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team, when the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) spoke out about it.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe addressed the situation at a press conference early Saturday morning, saying he shared recent concerns about the situation expressed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a statement Friday, on the eve of the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, which begins on Sunday.
“I agree [with] the IOC statement,” Watanabe said. “Sport is distinct from politics. All athletes have the same right to participate in the sporting event. The IOC and the FIG must protect this 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 news conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, January 30. (Fabrice Coffrini – Piscine/Getty Images)
Watanabe added that the FIG “deeply regrets” the lack of protection for Israeli gymnasts, but expressed respect for the Indonesian government’s decision.
“We at FIG deeply regret that we cannot protect the rights of a country’s athletes this time. But on the other hand, with the changing global situation, how to protect participating athletes is a challenge,” he said.
“The Indonesian government told us that this is a measure to ensure the safety of participating athletes, including athletes from one country, as well as residents of the city of Jakarta. So the reason is not political, that’s what we hear.[ing]”.
FIG Secretary General Nicolas Buompane added that the organization had also been informed of groups that could pose a threat in the presence of the Israeli team.
“It is true that there were some groups here in Indonesia who were not happy to see the Israeli delegation arriving and then made threats. So it was something that was taken seriously,” Buompane said.
“What about the safety of all participants? That’s also something we commit to in our statutes, to ensure the safety of all participants. So it’s a difficult question. And when you look at the last few weeks, several events have happened.”
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Team Israel competes in the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris Games at the Porte de La Chapelle arena in Paris, August 10, 2024. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Buompane cited several other cases of violence that occurred at international sporting events involving the Israeli national team in recent months. These cases included pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the Tour of Spain, which led to the temporary shutdown of the event amid protests against Israeli cyclists, and soccer matches featuring Israeli teams.
“The last few days have been difficult, but we have done everything we can, especially the president, constantly, to try to find a solution, whatever it is, and then at some point you find yourself in a situation where you can’t do anything more,” Buompane said.
Watanabe and Buompane were asked whether they considered the Indonesian government’s decision to be a violation of the FIG statutes which protect equal treatment and inclusion of athletes from each nation, and whether it would have consequences for the Indonesian gymnastics federation.
Buompane said he did not consider this a violation, saying other laws prioritizing security should also be taken into account.
“So it’s a violation in a way, but we also have a defense on it. Because you can’t just pull out one article, the one that everyone is pointing out right now, because there are others that will help us defend ourselves,” he said.
In its statement on Friday, the IOC directly condemned the Indonesian government’s decision.
“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sporting 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 which govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC press release said.
Israeli gymnasts, silver medalists, celebrate after the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Porte de la Chapelle arena in Paris, 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 provided in advance by the competent authorities of the host country.”
The IOC also said its officials would discuss the situation with Indonesia at its next meeting.
“Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to realize their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible 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 regarding the sanction.
“The rules are clear and Indonesia’s actions constitute a blatant violation of them. It is inconceivable that any country can ban another nation from participating in a World Championship while the governing bodies sit idly by,” the statement said via the BBC.
“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it is a huge blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment.”
Indonesia had already been stripped of its right to host the Under-20 FIFA World Cup when the governor of Bali refused to host the Israel team in a match.
