Abu Dhabi is refusing to grant visas to the members of the Israeli national Judo team ahead of the Arab principality’s grand slam judo tournament where 15 athletes are set to compete.

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The tournament is of very high importance in the sport, since it could have a crucial effect in determining the athletes who compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The three Israeli medal winners from the latest European championships: Sagi Moki, Yarden Gerbi (center), and Ori Sasson (Photo: Oz Moalem)

Since the tournament is so important, over 500 judokas from 83 different countries have registered to compete. According to the Israeli Judo Association (IJA), most of them have been granted their visas.

Israel is expected to send 15 judokas to compete in Abu Dhabi, including former women’s world champion Yarden Gerbi and men’s European champion Sagi Moki.

Sagi Moki at the World Judo Championships (Photo: Oren Aharoni)

Just last may, the Israeli judo team had to fight to be let into the masters tournament in Rabat, Morocco . After they were delayed in a Moroccan airport, they were eventually let in. During the actual competition, the crowd booed the Israelis every time they stepped on the matt.

IJA Chairperson Moshe Fonti. Won't give up (Photo: Oren Aharoni)

IJA chairperson Moshe Fonti refuses to give up on the matter, telling Ynet, “We won’t miss these important Olympic points. We will do everything we can to get there. We won’t relent to them, and if we aren’t successful, we’ll do everything we can to make sure no more competitions are held there.”