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An Algerian judoka has been disqualified after failing the weigh-in before facing an Israeli opponent at the Olympic Games.<\/b><\/p>\n
Messaoud Redouane Dris, 22, had been scheduled to face Tohar Butbul in the -73kg category on Monday.<\/p>\n
However, Dris weighed in above the 73kg limit ahead of the contest and was removed from the draw.<\/p>\n
Games organisers confirmed his disqualification and awarded Butbul a walkover to the next round.<\/p>\n
Algeria’s judo federation and national Olympic committee are yet to comment.<\/p>\n
The Israeli Olympic Committee alleged his failure to compete had been deliberate and was strongly critical of the Algerian.<\/p>\n
“Tohar’s competitor has removed himself from the competition,” the Israeli body said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“The Israeli delegation will continue to compete with the Olympic values in mind, we believe this kind of behaviour has no place in the world of sport.”<\/p>\n
Another Algerian judoka, Fethi Nourine, was handed a 10-year ban<\/a> by the International Judo Federation after withdrawing from a bout against Butbul at the Tokyo Games in 2021.<\/p>\n In that specific case, Nourine said at the time that his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible for him to compete.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n