Associated Press photo.
Lausanne/Switzerland: The International Olympic Committee has recommended that global sports federations cease holding events in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli athletes from the ongoing gymnastics world championships in Jakarta, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The IOC's executive board issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was also ending "any form of dialogue" with Indonesia about hosting future Olympic events.
An Indonesian government official declared earlier this month that Israeli athletes would be denied visas to participate in the world championships, which started last Sunday and run through this weekend.
Israel was among 86 teams registered to compete, and its squad included 2020 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat in the men's floor exercise.
"These actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic movement from showing the power of sport," the IOC's executive board said.
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation and has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians. The scheduled participation of Israeli athletes had sparked intense opposition within the country.
Jakarta Gov Pramono Anung earlier this month said the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from the Israel-Hamas war is unbearable and that the arrival of Israeli athletes would cause deep emotional distress to the majority of Indonesians.
The IOC's executive board met remotely this week to further discuss the situation in Indonesia, and also the "recurrent global issue regarding athletes' access to international competitions." The IOC said "all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to take part in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country." It added that the fundamental principles that govern the Olympic movement include “non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality.” It said it was ceasing dialogue with Indonesia over hosting the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events and conferences until the government gave “adequate guarantees” that all participants would be granted access to the country regardless of nationality.
In addition, it said it would recommend international sports federations not to stage tournaments, events or meetings in Indonesia until those guarantees were given.
The Indonesian Olympic Committee has been invited to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the issue.