🏛️ Court of Arbitration for Sport Rejects Israeli Appeals
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has rejected appeals filed by the Israeli Gymnastics Federation seeking permission to participate in the upcoming World Gymnastics Championships in Indonesia next week.
⚖️ Failed Attempts to Cancel or Relocate the Championship
The appeal also included a request to compel the International Gymnastics Federation to guarantee Israel’s participation, or alternatively, to cancel or relocate the tournament. However, the court dismissed the request and confirmed that the championship will proceed as scheduled next Sunday in Jakarta.
🛂 Sovereign Indonesian Decision Behind the Ban
This decision follows the Indonesian government’s official announcement denying entry visas to Israeli gymnasts. The Swiss-based court explained that the International Gymnastics Federation has no authority to intervene in or influence Indonesia’s visa policies.
📜 International Gymnastics Federation Does Not Withdraw Hosting
Although the federation’s regulations allow for withdrawing hosting rights if the host country refuses to issue visas, the federation has not taken such action and confirmed that the championship will go ahead in Indonesia as planned.Strong Popular and Official Support for Palestine
The court also rejected Israel’s request to cancel the International Gymnastics Federation’s statement referencing the Indonesian government’s decision. This move comes amid strong popular opposition in Indonesia—the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation—due to its long-standing support for the Palestinian cause.