Israeli gymnasts will not be able to compete at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta later this month after the world's highest sports court rejected two requests from the Israeli federation (IGF) for "provisional measures."

In the second and most important appeal launched by the IGF and six gymnasts who had been due to take part in the event, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected a request for it to "take the necessary measures that guarantee Israeli participation in the championships, or in the alternative, to move or to cancel the championships."

CAS added that the FIG argued it could not force the Indonesian government to issue visas.

Visas denied

The IGF took the case to the CAS after Indonesia's government announced last Thursday that it would not grant members of the Israeli delegation entry visas, citing solidarity with the Palestinians.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) responded to the news by saying that it "takes note of the Indonesian government's decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation" registered for the event, "and recognizes the challenges that the host country has faced in organizing this event." 

 "The FIG hopes that an environment will be created as soon as possible where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind."

The IGF's first appeal, also rejected, was calling for a annulment of this statement.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has no formal ties with Israel, but Israeli citizens may apply for a short-term visa under the "calling visa" procedure.

The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which run from October 19-25 are expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 79 countries.

Edited by: Matt Pearson