The Malaysian government said Friday it has accepted the withdrawal of two Israeli windsurfers from the International Sailing Federation world youth sailing championships, which begin Sunday.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told the Malay Mail Online website that Malaysia, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, “is guided by the existing policy of the Malaysian government.”

In Jerusalem, the Israel Sailing Association said windsurfers Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan and coach Meir Yaniv would not be attending the event at Langkawi, Malaysia because they had not received visas.

Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

Amir Gill, chairman of the Israel association, also told local media that Malaysia had placed “unacceptable” demands by forbidding athletes from carrying their country’s flag or wearing any symbol on their attire and surfboards which showed their country of origin.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.