WANA (Oct 04) – Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, has called on the sports ministers of 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to form a united front aimed at suspending Israel from international sporting events.

 

In a letter sent to his counterparts, Donyamali urged the creation of a “Joint Sports Front of Islamic Countries” to pursue Israel’s suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and global federations.

 

Citing the Olympic Charter, the Iranian minister emphasized that fundamental principles such as human dignity, equality, non-discrimination, and the promotion of peace and friendship among nations must be safeguarded. He argued that Israel’s decades-long policies toward Palestinians, including alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, constitute clear violations of these principles.

 

Donyamali referenced UN reports that have described Israel as an apartheid regime, noting that the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry recently accused Israel of committing genocide. He also highlighted that senior Israeli officials are under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

“The continuation of Israel’s presence in the global sports arena not only disregards international legal rulings but also undermines sporting justice and fundamental human values,” the letter stated.

 

The minister outlined several measures for Islamic nations to pursue collectively:

  • Establishing a unified Islamic sports front to raise the issue at the IOC and international sports federations.
  • Formally demanding Israel’s suspension and expulsion from international sports competitions, similar to measures once taken against apartheid South Africa.
  • Leveraging sports law and international law instruments, including the Anti-Apartheid in Sports Convention (1985), the Olympic Charter, and rulings by the International Court of Justice.
  • Encouraging other states and regional as well as international organizations to support this “just position” in defense of human dignity and universal sporting principles.

 

Donyamali concluded by expressing hope that, through unity and solidarity, Islamic nations can use sports as a common language of nations to advance justice, combat discrimination, and support the Palestinian people.

Iran Calls for Israel’s Suspension from Global Sports

Israeli fans. Social media/ WANA News Agency