The national team of the Middle Eastern country will not play in the World Cup in the second division.
The IIHF has decided to temporarily suspend the Israeli national team from participating in tournaments under it.
As noted by the International Hockey Federation, this decision was made due to the inability to ensure the safety of the participants in the competition, including the Israelis themselves, whose own country is at war with the Palestinian movement Hamas.
“After careful consideration, the IIHF Council has decided that Israel will not participate in the competition for the time being due to concerns for the safety of all participants in the competition.
In accordance with the IIHF’s commitment to the protection of all participants in the competition and to establish appropriate health and safety policies, the Federation Council, within the limits of its powers as set forth in the Statutes, has decided not to include Team Israel from participating in the IIHF Championships to the safety and well-being of all participants (including Israeli participants) cannot be guaranteed.
The IIHF Council made this decision after careful consideration and based on a risk assessment, discussions with the participating countries and discussions with the host countries,” the statement said.
Note that in April 2024, Israeli hockey players must participate in Division IIA of the World Championship in the same group with Serbia, Croatia, Australia, Iceland and the UAE.
We remind you that Russia previously set a record for athletes suspended for doping.
Source: korrespondent
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