Algerian judoka suspended from Olympics for refusing to face Israeli

July 24, 2021 Today, an Olympic representing Algeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, was suspended from the Olympics for refusing to compete against  of Israel, Nourine citing his support for Palestine. Nourine was competing in the under-73 kg category. He also refused to face an Israeli opponent at the, which also occurred in Tokyo.

Nourine said in a statement to the media, "We worked hard to reach the Olympics. But the Palestinian cause is bigger than all of this." His coach,, was supportive of his stance in a separate statement to the media, saying, "We made the right decision." Countries that have previously refused to compete against Israel include Iran and Egypt. The revoked its accreditation for the two and said they would be sent back home.

The said in a statement concerning the withdrawal, "The IJF has a strict non-discrimination policy, promoting solidarity as a key principle, reinforced by the values of judo". A disciplinary commission is deciding on further sanctions.