Indonesia to Compensate Israel for Gymnastics Championship Exclusion

The Israeli Gymnastics Federation and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have reached an agreement to settle a legal dispute stemming from Indonesia's exclusion of the Israeli delegation from the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. The agreement includes a financial compensation for Israel and resolves legal proceedings at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Last year, Israeli athletes received the necessary visas and bureaucratic approvals to enter Indonesia, but the Indonesian government rescinded them, preventing their participation. Following weeks of efforts by the Israeli Gymnastics Federation and the Olympic Committee, and after the FIG initially excluded Israel, a legal battle commenced at the CAS.

In addition to financial compensation, Indonesia faced professional sanctions and incurred significant negative international standing, with politics overriding sports. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its broader significance in upholding international sports principles such as neutrality, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination. They praised the FIG's constructive approach and commitment to ensuring all eligible gymnasts can participate in international competitions regardless of nationality.

The Chairman of the Israeli Gymnastics Federation, Chairman of the Israeli Gymnastics Federation, stated that the athletes' place should be determined by their achievements, not their nationality. He thanked the Olympic Committee of Israel and the Ministry of Culture and Sport for their support, as well as the Israeli gymnasts, including Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat, for their resilience. The FIG reiterated its commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equal access for all qualified athletes.