Algerian Judo Athlete Fails Weigh-in at Paris Olympics 2024, Not for Refusing Israeli Opponent
The Claim
The 22 year old Algerian judoka, Messaoud Redouane Dris withdrew from the Olympics 2024 in Paris, refusing to face an ‘Israeli’ opponent.
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Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating a photo of Algerian judo athlete Messaoud Redouane, claiming that he pulled out of the Olympics.
An account called "Eye on Palestine" shared the claim on X, Facebook, and Instagram, garnering hundreds of reactions. The post commented, "The 22-year-old Algerian judoka, Messaoud Redouane Dris, withdrew from the Olympics 2024 in Paris, refusing to face an 'Israeli' opponent."
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading.
Algerian Judo Athlete Failed the Weigh-in for Paris Olympics 2024
On July 28, Dris arrived for the weight control session five minutes before the scheduled time and was found to be 400 grams over the permitted weight for competition. He was scheduled to face the 30-year-old Israeli judoka Tohar Butbul.
On July 29, the International Judo Federation (IJF) issued a brief statement declaring that Dris failed the weigh-in for the event, which was scheduled for Monday.
According to IJF regulations, any competitor who does not make weight during the official weight control “is disqualified from the competition.”
The IJF confirmed that “this kind of incident can occur at any competition; during the Tokyo Olympic Games, there were four athletes who did not pass the weight control.”
Israel’s Controversial Participation in the Olympics
Israel's participation in the Paris Games has been contested at various moments since the start of Israel's war in Gaza last year, but the IOC and the French government have steadfastly supported Israel's right to compete.
The Israeli judo team consists of 161 men and 74 women competing in the World Circuit, with 12 athletes participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, Algeria has a larger presence on the World Circuit, with 202 men and 94 women.
Several other judokas have previously withdrawn or refused to compete against their Israeli opponents. Dris's compatriot Fethi Nourine was expelled from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago for refusing to face Butbul.
Algeria does not officially recognize Israel, and the two countries have had tense relations.
Yael Arad, chairman of Israel's Olympic Committee, labeled the situation a "disgrace" and demanded that the North African delegation be penalized.
The Algerian Olympic delegation refused to comment when contacted by Reuters.
The International Judo Federation said, “Following the Olympic Games, a full review and investigation of the situation will be conducted, and further action will be taken if needed.”
Top Algerian Judoka Dris Fails Paris Olympics 2024 Weigh-in
Dris is considered the highest-ranked man in the Algerian judo team, competing in the -73 kg weight category. He has an impressive track record, including victories at the African Senior Championships in 2024 and 2023, a second-place result at the Zagreb Grand Prix 2023, and a first-place finish at the Arab Games 2023.
Dris is currently ranked fourteenth in the world for his weight category.
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