International Ice Hockey Federation backtracks on banning Israel from tournament

Illustrative: Israel national hockey team members on the bench at the IIHF world championships in Mexico City, April 2019. (Ice Hockey Federation of Israel)
Illustrative: Israel national hockey team members on the bench at the IIHF world championships in Mexico City, April 2019. (Ice Hockey Federation of Israel)

The International Ice Hockey Federation backtracks on its decision to bar Israel from competing in its world championship events, citing security concerns.

Israel had responded angrily to the move, vowing to dispute it and decrying the decision as “antisemitic” and “dangerous.”

In a statement posted to its website today, the IIHF says Israel will be able to participate in an upcoming tournament in Bulgaria, saying it had received from local authorities “the required confirmation for the safety and security support needed to allow the Israeli National Team to take part.”

“We wish the Israeli National Team and all other participating teams all the best for the competition,” the IIHF says, but adds it will review Israeli participation in upcoming tournaments.

Further decisions will be announced next month, the IIHF says.

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