iMSPORT.TV – Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, stated that the country is ready to face the lawsuit filed by the Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) regarding the cancellation of visas for six Israeli gymnasts.
The visa cancellations prevent the Israeli athletes from participating in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025, which will take place in Jakarta from October 19 to 25.
“We are aware of the Israeli Gymnastics Federation’s (IGF) plan to file a lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning the decision related to the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025,” Erick said in a post on his official Instagram account.
According to Erick, Indonesia, as a sovereign nation, has its own policies and regulations that must be respected, including those related to visa issuance.
“Indonesia is a sovereign country with its own rules, and we stand firm by our principles regarding this matter. Of course, we will respond to this lawsuit with dignity,” he said.
Earlier, on Saturday (October 11), the IGF released an official statement condemning the visa cancellations as “outrageous and deeply troubling” for the integrity of international sports.
The IGF also filed an appeal to CAS, requesting that the six Israeli gymnasts be allowed to compete in Jakarta.
“We intend to challenge this decision by all means available,” the IGF said in its statement.
According to the Israeli sports media outlet Isport, CAS is expected to announce its decision regarding the IGF’s appeal today, Monday (October 13).
Indonesia Ready to Face Lawsuit from Israeli Gymnastics Federation
In its appeal, the IGF, represented by lawyer Dalia Bushinsky, also requested that CAS either overturn or relocate the 2025 World Championships to a neutral country.
“The Israeli association, represented by attorney Dalia Bushinsky, requested that CAS cancel or move the World Championships to a neutral country willing to host all delegations in accordance with regulations and conventions, so that the Israeli team may also participate in this prestigious event,” Isport reported.
The Indonesian government, which has no diplomatic relations with Israel, revoked the visas of six Israeli gymnasts slated to compete in the Jakarta event.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (PB Persani), Ita Yuliati Irawan, stated that the government’s decision to cancel the Israeli athletes’ visas was also supported by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
“The [Israeli] athletes are confirmed not to attend since their visas have been canceled. We also received an official letter from FIG supporting Indonesia’s decision,” Ita said during a press conference at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Friday (October 10).
Source : cnnindonesia
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