The Jerusalem Post today reported that World Sailing, formerly called the International Sailing Federation, would also be seeking clarification from Malaysian authorities in charge of organising the recently concluded Youth Sailing World Championship.

Before deciding to bar Israel’s Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan from the championship, Malaysian authorities had imposed several restrictions on them as the country did not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

The duo were not given visas, and were told that even if they were allowed to participate, they were not allowed to compete under the Israel flag and were prohibited from using symbols identifiable with Israel on their sports attire and surfboards.

The Israelis were also told that the nation’s national anthem would not be played even if they won the gold medal.

“As with all diplomatic issues, this is quite a delicate matter.

“World Sailing is aware of the current commentary in the public arena, and have reason to believe that some of the comments may not be accurate or possibly made on misunderstandings,” its president Carlo Croce was quoted saying on Sunday.

He added that sailors from all nations should be allowed to compete on an equal basis – an expectation which was made clear in the bid process and set out in the contractual documentation governing sailing events.

This is not the only front Malaysia could face sanctions from, in the sports arena.

Yesterday, news reports said that the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) could ban Malaysia from organising world tournaments in the future – as well as for refusing visas to Israeli athletes who had qualified on merit, to participate in the World Table Tennis Championship event to be held in Shah Alam, next month.

The world governing body for table tennis also said it could cancel the championship and that Malaysia would have to bear all costs incurred at the date of cancellation, including flight and hotel bookings for the athletes.