The Indonesian government announced last week that it would not issue visas to Israeli gymnasts competing in the world championships.
Published October 14, 2025
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected an appeal by the Israel Gymnastics Federation to be allowed to compete in this weekend’s world championships in Indonesia.
CAS also rejected Israel’s request for the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to guarantee Israel’s participation or force the cancellation or relocation of the artistic event, which was scheduled to open in Jakarta on Sunday.
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The Indonesian government announced last week that it would not issue visas to Israeli gymnasts, and Switzerland-based CAS said on Tuesday that FIG had no authority to control Indonesia’s visa policy.
In response to Indonesia’s move, FIG did not threaten to take the event away from Indonesia, as stipulated in its rules if the organizer refuses to issue a visa. Israel asked for the revocation of the FIG, which “notes” government statements, but CAS also rejected the request on Tuesday.
Indonesia’s decision to deny visas comes after Israel’s plans to participate sparked fierce opposition in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, which has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians.
Israel is among the 86 countries registered to compete in the world championships, and the team includes 2021 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat in the men’s floor exercise.
The Israeli federation announced in July that it had been assured by Indonesian officials that it would be welcome at the world championships, but its participation is now in doubt. That would go against Indonesia’s long-standing policy of refusing to host Israeli sports delegations to major events.
The gymnastics spat is the latest example of how the global backlash against Israel over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war has spilled over into sports and culture.
