Former Olympic swimmer Bart Kizierowski has turned down Malaysia’s offer to coach its national swimming team following the country’s decision to ban Israeli athletes from participating in the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.

In a Facebook post last week, Kizierowski, who is from Poland, said he declined the “very attractive coaching position” due to “recent statements made by Malaysian politicians regarding the refusal of visa for athletes”.

“There is no place for that in sport,” he added in the post dated Jan 24, and thanked the swimming community in Malaysia for showing him trust and for offering him the opportunity.