Olympic games
Gaza war: IOC warns against discriminatory behavior
Experts fear that conflicts between athletes from Arab states and Israelis could increase. photo
© Michel Euler/AP/dpa
Algerian judoka Fethi Nourine boycotted the 2021 Tokyo Olympics for political reasons. Now the situation in the Middle East is escalating and the IOC is warning of similar cases in Paris.
Against the backdrop of the Gaza war and with a view to the 2024 Games in Paris, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) warned against discriminatory behavior by athletes. “Athletes cannot be held responsible for the actions of their governments. If discriminatory behavior by an athlete or official occurs, the IOC will work with the relevant National Olympic Committee and the International Federation to ensure that swift action is taken,” shared an IOC spokesman responded to a dpa request.
The Algerian judoka Fethi Nourine did not take part in the Tokyo Games for political reasons in order to avoid a possible second-round duel with an Israeli. Nourine was then banned for ten years by the International Judo Federation. At the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby refused to shake hands with Israeli Or Sasson after his defeat. In 2008 in Beijing, the Iranian Mohammad Alirezaei did not take part in the swimming heats for the 100 meter breaststroke because the Israeli Tom Beeri was also in the pool.
After the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, many experts fear that such cases could increase at the 2024 Games in Paris between athletes from Arab states and Israelis. “Sport must build bridges instead of erecting walls or deepening divisions,” demanded the IOC, referring to the Olympic Charter. “If divisive political forces were successful in their efforts to decide which athletes could compete in which competitions, then only athletes from like-minded political blocs would take part in sports competitions.”