Egypt denies judoka sent home over Israel handshake row

Egypt's judo federation denied on Tuesday that its Olympic competitor Islam El Shehaby had been sent home for refusing to shake the hand of an Israeli opponent.

An International Olympic Committee spokesman said Monday that the Egyptian Olympic Committee "strongly condemned the actions of Mr Islam El Shehaby and has sent him home."

The Egyptian judoka raised a storm at the judo by refusing to shake hands, and at first refusing to bow, after losing to Israel's Or Sasson. He was reprimanded by an Olympic disciplinary commission.

Egyptian judo federation president Sameh Moubasher told AFP that El Shehaby "was not sent home.

"He returned with his colleagues. The whole judo team returned yesterday at dawn," he said.

Source: AFP