The Worldwide Ice Hockey Federation mentioned on Wednesday that Israel will have the ability to play in an upcoming event after barring its nationwide group from the occasion resulting from safety considerations.
The world sports activities group introduced that Israel can take part on the planet championship of Division III below 20 on the finish of the month in Bulgaria. The IIHF says it has confirmed with the authorities that the mandatory safety measures shall be in place to handle the dangers of Israel's participation.
“We’re grateful to the Bulgarian authorities, the Ministry of Youth and Sports activities, the Ministry of the Inside, the native police and all our stakeholders for his or her assist and help on this matter,” the IIHF mentioned in a press release.
The IIHF added that it’s going to take subsequent tournaments – together with the 2024 males's and ladies's world championships – on a case-by-case foundation, once more citing security and safety. Additional IIHF board conferences are scheduled to debate the problem in February and March earlier than choices are made.
“A one-week event with the participation of the Israeli nationwide group with none assure of security and safety of all of the individuals concerned is irresponsible,” the IIHF mentioned.
The NHL, which works carefully with the IIHF in planning many worldwide occasions, mentioned final weekend it had “vital considerations” in regards to the Israeli ban and expressed it because it sought to grasp the rationale behind the choice.
“As we perceive it, the choice is meant to be non permanent in nature and is predicated solely on the IIHF's paramount concern for the security and safety of all its stakeholders, together with the Israeli nationwide group and different collaborating groups “, the league mentioned in a press release posted on social media. “Importantly, we have been additionally assured that the choice will not be meant to be a sanction in opposition to the Israeli Federation and won’t have an effect on the standing of the Israeli Federation as a full member in good standing with the IIHF.
“We urge the IIHF to take all needed measures to handle their considerations as shortly as potential in order that the Israeli nationwide groups usually are not unfairly excluded from future occasions for which they’re eligible and are certified.”
