Indonesian sports 'banned' by the International Olympic Committee, major figures strongly protest

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a decision to protest Indonesia's refusal to allow Israeli athletes to enter the country. Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the Indonesian Football Federation Erick Thohir also spoke out.

IOC ends all forms of dialogue with the Indonesian Olympic Committee

In a statement on its website, the IOC said that after the Indonesian government canceled visas for Israeli athletes to participate in the 53rd World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, the IOC Standing Committee met to discuss the issue. Accordingly, the IOC once again emphasized its stance: "All eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be allowed to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement.

In order to avoid similar situations in the future, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided as follows: To cease all forms of dialogue with the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia regarding the hosting of future Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events or congresses until the Government of Indonesia provides the IOC with full assurances that it will allow all participants, regardless of nationality, to enter the country to participate; To advise all international federations not to organize any sporting events or international meetings in Indonesia until the Government of Indonesia provides full assurances to international federations that it will allow all participants, regardless of nationality, to enter the country to participate; To request the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to come to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland) to discuss the situation before the 53rd World Gymnastics Championships.

The IOC's decisions are seen as a heavy blow to Indonesia's Olympic ambitions.

Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports and PSSI President Erick Thohir

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS INDONESIA

PSSI Chairman makes strong statement

On the official electronic portal of the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports, Minister and President of the Indonesian Football Confederation (PSSI) Erick Thohir also made a move related to the IOC's decisions.

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir affirmed: "The Ministry of Youth and Sports, as a representative of the Government of Indonesia, always adheres to the principle of maintaining security, public order and public interest in all international events. This step complies with existing laws and regulations. This principle is also based on the 1945 Constitution, which respects security and public order, as well as the Indonesian government's obligation to maintain international order."

"Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sporting events in Southeast Asia, Asia and the world, so that Indonesian sports can become an ambassador and reflect the greatness of this country in the eyes of the world," Mr. Erick Thohir concluded.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/the-thao-indonesia-bi-uy-ban-olympic-quoc-te-cam-van-nhan-vat-lon-phan-doi-manh-me-18525102317195042.htm