Olympics Hit by Crisis Over Iran-Israel Contest

[DEMonstate]

ATHENS (Reuters) - Iran's world judo champion Arash Miresmaeili refused to compete against an Israeli Sunday, triggering a fresh crisis at the Olympic Games where race, creed or color are barred from interfering in sport.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) failed to agree how to deal with the politically explosive issue at an emergency meeting and said it would hold further talks Monday.

The burning issue was whether any penalty would hit Miresmaeili alone or the entire Iranian team, as the intrusion of the Middle East's bitter politics threatened to fly in the face of the Olympic ideal.

"There has been no decision and we are considering this situation very carefully," said IJF spokesman Michel Brousse.

http://news.myway.com/top/article/id/145144|top|08-15-2004::11:26|reuters.html

[jeff30997]

1. I say: He must be disqualified.

[Yupster]

3. I thought he already withdrew?

You can't quit, you're fired?

Not much of a penalty.

[joeybee12]

2. Politics always plays a role in the Olympics, this instance shows how

much it sometimes does.

Disqualify him--it's that simple.

[alarcojon]

4. This is so very sad

and, of course, plays right into the image of an intolerant Islamic world.

He should be disqualified, probably for life.

[BrotherBuzz]

5. Jeez, if he doesn't wrestle, he forfeits!

What's so complicated about that?

[rocktivity]

6. If he doesn't want to compete, he's out

and leave his team in. His opponent wins in a walkover. Non-story.

:headbang:
rocknation

[wellstone dem]

7. The Olympics dodges

He was disqualified for failure to meet weight requirements.

[IndianaGreen]

8. Great news: Puerto Rico beats the US in basketball 92-73!

Way to go, Puerto Rico!

Back on point:

Mystery over Iran judo 'protest'
Last Updated: Sunday, 15 August, 2004, 16:13 GMT 17:13 UK

Iran's Arash Miresmaeili has been eliminated after failing to make the correct weight at the Athens Olympics.

But there is confusion over the affair, following the judo star's reported threat to walk out in protest when he was drawn against an Israeli opponent.

Iran has a strict policy of sanctions against Israel and forbids any contact with Israeli citizens.

Iran's President Mohammad Khatami has said Miresmaeili's act will be recorded among the nation's glories.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) said: "We're very surprised an elite player could not make his weight."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3562808.stm

[aquart]

11. Violating Olympic principles is a "glory"?

Oh, those Persians. Been so long since they've had glory, they can't remember what it is.

[Endangered Specie]

9. Refusal to compete = Forfeit, NO exceptions

[IndianaGreen]

10. If you read the BBC story I posted on this thread, he failed the weight in

and that is why he is not competing.

[Endangered Specie]

12. I see.

Glad that got cleared up.

But Im thinking about further punishments for him in future olympics.