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Indonesia faces severe sporting sanctions after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would recommend the country against hosting any international events. The decision follows Indonesia’s move to ban Israeli athletes from the recent gymnastics world championships in Jakarta.
The governing body also confirmed that it would cease all discussions with Indonesia regarding future Olympic Games. An Indonesian government official announced earlier this month that Israeli competitors, including 2020 Olympic gold medalist Artem Dolgopayat, would be denied visas for the championships, which begin on October 19.
“These actions deny athletes the right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic movement from showcasing the power of sport.” IOC The executive board said in a statement.
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians. The scheduled participation of Israeli athletes had sparked intense protests within the country.
The IOC Executive Board met remotely this week to discuss the situation in Indonesia and “the recurring global issue regarding athletes’ access to international competitions.”
“All eligible athletes, teams and sports officials should be able to participate in international sporting competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country,” the IOC said. It states that the fundamental principles governing the Olympic Movement include “non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality”.
It said it was ending negotiations with Indonesia on hosting the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events and conferences until the government provides “sufficient guarantees” that all participants will be allowed entry into the country, regardless of nationality.
Furthermore, it said it would recommend international federations not to hold tournaments, events or meetings in Indonesia unless guarantees are made.
Indonesian Olympic Committee has been invited to the IOC headquarters lausanneSwitzerland will discuss this issue.