Israeli gymnasts to remain excluded from world artistic gymnastics championships after CAS ruling
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A general view shows Indonesia Arena which will host the the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta on Oct 10, 2025. Indonesia will not issue visas to Israeli athletes for the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta, a minister said on Oct 9, citing the nation's support for Palestinians. Israel has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
PHOTO: AFP
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Lausanne – Israel’s gymnasts will not be able to compete at the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Indonesia, after sport’s highest court on Oct 14 rejected requests from the Israeli federation (IGF) to “guarantee the participation” of its team.
Indonesian authorities denied Israeli gymnasts entry visas for the championships
The Israeli federation claimed the entry denials created “a situation of discrimination”, but the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it had no jurisdiction to force Indonesia to issue visas.
“The requests for urgent provisional measures were considered by the deputy president of the CAS appeals arbitration division. Both requests have been rejected,” CAS said in a statement.
The Oct 19-25 championships in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 79 countries.
Israeli athletes were reportedly among those set to compete, but a Cabinet minister said on Oct 9 that the government would not allow them entry, citing support for Palestinians.
Indonesia’s gymnastics federation said on Oct 10 that it had informed FIG of its position.
“The FIG today has officially stated through a phone call to me that they supported the Indonesian government’s decision,” Indonesian gymnastics federation chairwoman Ita Yuliati told a press conference.
“Their (the Israeli athletes’) visas have been rejected by the immigration.”
FIG responded by saying it “takes note of the Indonesian government’s decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation” registered for the event, “and recognises the challenges that the host country has faced in organising this event”.
“The FIG hopes that an environment will be created as soon as possible where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind.”
Indonesia has no formal ties with Israel, but Israeli nationals or their sponsors, such as Indonesian-based businesses or Indonesian nationals, can apply for a short-term visa under the “calling visa” procedure.
Israeli nationals with dual passports can also enter Indonesia using their other passport.
In July 2023, Indonesia pulled out of hosting the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games, following controversy over Israel’s participation.
In March that year, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to football’s Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation. AFP
