The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has barred Israel from participating in world championship events due to “security concerns,” putting them alongside Russia and Belarus, who were suspended for the same reason following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The decision comes after a risk assessment and discussions with participating countries and hosts.
The council “has decided to restrict the Israeli National Team from participating in IIHF Championships until the safety and well-being of all participants (including Israeli participants) can be assured,” the IIHF stated. (Trending: GOP Rep. Mace Clashes Directly With Hunter Biden At Hearing)
“The IIHF Council took this decision after careful consideration and based on a risk assessment, discussions with the participating countries and discussions with the hosts.”
The statement did not mention objections from other countries or the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel will remain excluded “for the time being.” The IIHF typically places Israel’s national teams in lower-division events with minimal crowds and media exposure.
The men’s and women’s national teams were set to compete in upcoming tournaments in Serbia and Estonia, respectively.
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