“There is no obligation for shaking hands at the end of the fight, but it is compulsory to bow, that’s why the Egyptian was called back to bow and he did”.
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The Egyptian marital artist sparked uproar by refusing to shake hands with Or Sasson after the Israeli beat him in the over-100 kg category.
“The Olympics is built on respect”, the Jerusalem-born judoka said, adding: “We have seen other incidents where Muslim athletes don’t shake hands with Israelis”.
El Shehaby lost his men’s +100kg first round bout with Israel’s Or Sasson, and says his actions – perceived as poor sportsmanship – were purely down to his opponent’s nationality.
When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away and shook his head, injecting Middle Eastern politics into the Rio Olympics.
When called back by the referee to bow, El Shehaby gave a quick nod before walking off amid loud boos from the crowd.
“The Disciplinary Commission (DC) considered that his behaviour at the end of the competition was contrary to the rules of fair play and against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic Values”, the IOC said.
The IOC also asked the Egyptian committee to make sure that all its athletes “receive proper education on the Olympic values before coming to the Olympic Games”.
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While El Shehaby declined to comment after the match, Sasson, who went on to capture a bronze medal in the event, seemed unfazed by the situation on Sunday. “This was his decision”, he said. Days later, Saudi Arabia judoka Joud Fahmy withdrew from competition to avoid a second-round match with Israeli Gili Cohen, the Times of Israel reported. In 1979, Egypt became the first Arab nation to recognize Israel with the signing of a peace treaty between the two countries.
