Algerian judoka Messaoud Redouane Dris has decided not to take part in the Olympic Games in order to avoid having to compete against an Israeli.
The three-time African champion would have faced Tohar Butbul in the first round of the 73 kg category. Officials said that Dris was not allowed to fight because he had exceeded the weight limit in his class by 400 grams.
The case brings back memories of the similar scandal at the Games in Tokyo three years ago. Back then, Dris' compatriot Fethi Nourine boycotted the fight against Butbul and was later banned for ten years by the world federation due to his politically motivated withdrawal. Swiss fighter Nils Stump will also be fighting in the same category in Paris, but in the other half of the tableau.
