International Judo Federation(IJF) announced the suspension of Algeria’s Fethii Nourine and his coach for refusing to participate in a match-up of men’s 73 kg category in the Tokyo Olympics. Fethi refused to participate in the match-up because he had to fight Israel’s Tohar Butbul. He declined to participate citing that he is with Palestine’s cause and doesn’t want to go up against a player from Israel. He also withdrew from the 2019 World Championships to avoid pairing up with an Israeli player.
IJF said while announcing the ban that the pain used the Olympics platform for promotion and religious propaganda and breached the code of ethics in the Olympics charter. Nourine can no longer participate in IJF related events till 23 July 2031. Fatehi can appeal the matter in the Court of Arbitration for Sports.