VEVEY, Switzerland (AP) — The governing body of wrestling says nine athletes cannot compete at the upcoming world championships because of travel restrictions imposed since the Ebola virus outbreak in west Africa.
FILA says the ruling by the Uzbekistan health ministry affects seven wrestlers from Nigeria and two from Sierra Leone.
The decision follows similar travel bans imposed by China and Russia ahead of the recent Youth Olympic Games and judo worlds.
FILA President Nenad Lalovic says “our sympathies go out to the affected wrestlers, coaches and fans.”
The wrestling worlds are scheduled for Sept. 8-14 in Tashkent.
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