The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Israel’s appeal against Indonesia’s decision to bar its athletes from the upcoming World Gymnastics Championship, supporting the Southeast Asian nation’s stance over the Gaza genocide.
According to reports, Indonesia took a firm stand by refusing to allow Israeli athletes to participate in the World Gymnastics Championship, which will take place in the country from October 19 to 25.
The Indonesian government stated that it could not welcome athletes from a country responsible for the oppression of the Palestinian people. Officials explained that Indonesia would not provide a platform to any nation involved in acts that violate human rights.
Israel responded by filing a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, demanding that Indonesia be ordered to issue visas to its athletes or that the championship be relocated to another country.
However, CAS dismissed Israel’s requests, which sought either participation guarantees or the cancellation and relocation of the event. The court stated that international federations do not have the authority to pressure a sovereign nation into issuing visas.
More than 500 athletes from 79 countries are participating in the World Gymnastics Championship. This is not the first time Israel has faced restrictions in Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia gave up hosting the ANOC Beach Games due to a dispute over Israel’s participation.