Algerian Judoka Out of Paris Olympics Before Israeli Match
The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced on Sunday that Butbul was declared the winner by walkover.
Dris was officially disqualified for missing weight the day before his scheduled match with Butbul, which was to be the first in the men’s 73-kilogram division on Monday.
This marks the second consecutive Olympics where an Algerian judoka has withdrawn prior to facing Butbul. At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Algeria’s Fethi Nourine withdrew to avoid a potential second-round matchup with Butbul. Nourine cited his support for Palestine in his decision, leading to a 10-year suspension for him and his coach, Amar Benikhlef, by the IJF.
Algeria does not officially recognize Israel.
Read More:
Calls had been mounting in recent month to the ban the Israeli regime from participating in the Games due to the regime’s genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
Despite this, the International Olympic Committee and the French government have maintained their support for Israel’s inclusion in the event.
Source: Agencies
