Algerian judoka Messaoud Dris was unable to make weight at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, just a day prior to his match against Israel’s Tohar Butbul, prompting an investigation.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) announced on Monday that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding Dris’s missed weight. The match was slated to be the opening contest in the men’s 73-kilogram category, but the political ramifications of the matchup raised concerns about whether it would actually take place.
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Jorge Cano Garcia from Spain, left, faces Messaoud Redouane Dris of Algeria in the Men’s -73 kg gold medal match during day 2 of the IJF Judo Grand Prix Zagreb 2023 at Arena Zagreb on August 19, 2023, in Zagreb, Croatia. (Luka Stanzl/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)
Dris is currently ranked 14th in the world in the 73-kilogram division, while Butbul is ranked 22nd.
“A comprehensive review and investigation into the situation will be conducted after the Olympic Games, with further actions taken if necessary,” stated the IJF.
“We believe that sports should exemplify integrity and fairness, free from the influences of international conflicts. Nevertheless, athletes often fall victim to wider political disputes, which are contrary to the values of sport.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, has created complications at the Olympic level.
Butbul and Israel’s coach Guy Fogel expressed that they suspected Dris may have been pressured into missing the match due to Algeria’s strained relationship with Israel.
During the judo men’s 73-kg round of 16 bout of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris on July 29, 2024, Israel’s Tohar Butbul is seen. (JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
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“I believe that Algerian athletes and all Muslim athletes should not be required to compete against Israeli athletes,” Butbul commented. “They seem to be the ones suffering in this scenario. They are being prevented from participating, even as athletes themselves. I had a strong desire to face him, and it hasn’t occurred. Perhaps at the next Olympics we can finally meet and compete.”
Dris’s weigh-in on Sunday registered at 73.4 kilograms, slightly exceeding the weight limit. According to the IJF, Dris arrived for his weigh-in just 10 minutes before the cutoff, suggesting he may have been attempting to cut weight at the last moment.
“I respect him,” Butbul acknowledged about Dris. “He’s a commendable judoka and a great athlete. I hope that one day there will be peace in the Middle East so I could train in Algeria, and he could train in Israel, so we could share the tatami and compete. Perhaps one day I can shake his hand.”
During the men’s under 73 kg category elimination round at the 2022 World Judo Championships in Tashkent on October 8, 2022, France’s Joan-Benjamin Gaba, left, competes against Algeria’s Messaoud Redouane Dris. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli judoka Baruch Shmailov experienced two opponents refusing to shake his hand following his bouts on Sunday.
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“It’s not the first time athletes have opted not to compete against Israelis for various reasons,” commented Fogel on Monday. “This is simply part of our reality. If you choose not to fight, that’s fine; we will move forward in our next match.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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