International Judo Federation Suspends Two Events for Discriminating Against Israeli Athletes

In welcome news, on July 20, 2018, the International Judo Federation proved to be an organization that backs up its rules with action. In a press release, the International Judo Federation announced that it had suspended the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and the Tunis Grand Prix (hosted in Tunisia) [link]. In so doing, the Federation cited to a provision of its rules that prohibits discrimination “on the ground of race, religion, gender or political opinion.” It noted that these two events had previously denied participation in equal conditions for athletes from all countries despite “repeated past interventions,” clearly referencing discrimination against Israeli delegations to the events. Despite being invited to submit a letter of guarantee that all athletes would be treated equally, the organizers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and Tunis Grand Prix declined to do so, thus prompting their well-deserved suspension. The International Judo Federation stated that, notwithstanding other concerns, “politics should not have any interference in sports and that sports should be a reflection of human respect, understanding and mutual cooperation…” The International Judo Federation suggested that the suspension is not irreversible, but that it will adhere “until governmental guarantee is given to ensure free and equal participation of all nations at the said events.”