What happened
French athlete Muhammad Abdallah Kounta has been suspended by the French Athletics Federation due to hate speech against Israel and Jews. The decision followed an investigation prompted by revelations from a social media account, Sword of Salomon, which unearthed hate-filled tweets Kounta posted between 2021 and 2024. The Federation’s president confirmed that Kounta’s case has been referred to the public prosecutor and the disciplinary committee.
Why it matters
This incident sets a significant precedent against promoting hate speech, showcasing the Federation’s zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Semitism and animosity towards Israel. The matter carries heightened importance due to current geopolitical tensions and reflects well-coordinated efforts to protect all participants at the global athletic events, such as the Paris 2024 Olympics where the Israeli delegation required round-the-clock security.
What Kounta did
During the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Kounta retweeted inflammatory posts aiming at Israel, including a call for divine intervention against “Zionists” and ridiculing a person abducted during Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7. Furthermore, Kounta shared a post during the Olympics with a disrespectful caption labeling Israeli Judoka Sagi Muki as a “child killer” purely based on his military service.
The apology
Faced with public backlash, Kounta shared an apology wrapped in a French flag on social media. He claimed his tweets were taken out of context and expressed regret if his words offended anyone. Kounta professed his love for France and stated his opposition to genocides and all forms of racism or injustice. However, his attempt to defend his reputation by emphasizing the significance of his participation at the Stade de France still leaves a shadow on his public image.
Broader implications
This incident reiterates the broader need for athletes to maintain the spirit of unity and peace that global sports symbolize. A firm action from the French Athletics Federation sends a positive signal toward counteracting any form of anti-Israel sentiment or anti-Semitic rhetoric, thus fostering a more inclusive sports environment.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.