Israel’s sailors were told they would not be able to compete under their country’s flag and wouldn’t be able to bear any symbol or logo identifiable with the nation on their surfboards or clothes, it is claimed.

It is also alleged that organisers said that the Israeli national anthem would not be played if one of their competitors won a gold medal.

Windsurfers Yoav Omer, boys under-19 gold medallist at the last year’s Youth Sailing World Championships in Gdynia, Poland, double youth world champion Noy Drihan and coach Meir Yaniv were due to travel to the competition but the ISA has opted not to send them to Malaysia.

The ISA has informed both World Sailing, formerly called the International Sailing Federation, and the International Olympic Committee of their decision and believe their competitors were effectively banned from representing their country at the event in Langkawi.

ISA chairman Gili Amir blasted the demands of the organisers as “unacceptable” and claimed they are considering filing a lawsuit against World Sailing.

“As we have yet to receive visas, 24-hours before our scheduled departure date, and considering the restrictions and difficulties the Organising Committee has placed on us, we have decided not to take part in the competition,” he said to the Jerusalem Post.

“The Malaysians' demands are unacceptable, and as we haven't received the visas, we decided not to participate.

“We condemn the unsporting conduct of the Organising Committee.

“We will not agree to be humiliated and we are considering filing a lawsuit against the ISAF and the host country in coordination with the Olympic Committee of Israel.”

The sport’s governing body are investigating the issue and, according to a statement from World Sailing President Carlo Croce, a member of the organisation’s Executive “is on route to Malaysia to investigate this issue and is seeking clarification from the Malaysian Organising Authority”.

“As with all diplomatic issues this is quite a delicate matter,” the statement read.

“World Sailing is aware of the current commentary in the public arena, and have reason to believe that some of the comments may not be accurate or possibly based on misunderstandings.

“World Sailing is committed to ensuring participation in our sport by competitors from all nations, and is taking this issue seriously.

“World Sailing expects the organising authority of its events to allow sailors from all nations to compete on an equal basis.

“This expectation is made clear in the bid process and is set out in the contractual documentation governing our events.”

The event itself, which is expected to attract 430 sailors from a record 80 countries, begins today and runs through to January 3.

Israel has had visa issues in the sporting world in the past, particularly from states which do not recognise the country.

In November, the country's flag was banned from the International Judo Federation Grand Slam event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.