Algerian Judoka, Coach Banned for 10 Years After Refusing to Fight Israeli

The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced on September 10 that the Algerian judoka and coach who forfeited a match to avoid fighting an Israeli have been banned from participating in the league for 10 years.

In a statement, the IJF said that the judoka, Fethi Nourine and Amar Benikhlef, had “malicious intent” to use “the Olympic Games as a platform for protest and promotion of political and religious propaganda, which is a clear and serious breach of the IJF Statutes, the IJF Code of Ethics and the Olympic Charter.” Nourine had thrown his scheduled July 26 match against his opponent, Sudanese judoka Mohamed Abalrasool, since the winner would have had to fight Israeli judoka Tohar Butbol. “The Palestinian cause is bigger than all of this,” Nourine told Algerian television.

“Therefore, no other penalty than a severe suspension can be imposed in this case,” the IJF statement concluded.

The American Jewish Committee tweeted, “Thank you, @Judo, for taking a strong stand against antisemitism!”

Algerian judoka Fethi Nourine and his coach have been banned from competing in international tournaments for ten years after refusing to compete against Israeli athletes at the Olympics.

Thank you, @Judo, for taking a strong stand against antisemitism!https://t.co/ffrgnKdqsO

— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) September 14, 2021

Abdalrasool also didn’t show up for his match against Butbul; Butbul told the Associated Press that he was told that Abdalrasool had an injured shoulder, but the Israeli team was skeptical. Butbul ultimately finished in seventh place.

Judoka Saied Mollaei, a defector from Iran, dedicated his silver medal to Israel. “Thank you to Israel for the good energy,” Mollaei told an Israeli sports channel on July 27. “This medal is also dedicated to Israel. I hope the Israelis are happy with this win.” He concluded his remarks by saying “todah,” Hebrew for “thank you.”