Another Team Pulled from International Ice Hockey Federation Tournaments

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TJ Tucker
January 11, 2024 (8:31)

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The International Ice Hockey Federation has pulled another country from competing in future tournaments announcing Isreal is suspended.

We are quickly approaching the second anniversary of Russia being pulled from all tournaments put on by the International Ice Hockey Federation, the world's governing body for the sport of ice hockey. We now have another country being put on the sidelines, at least for now.

The IIHF has released a statement saying it has removed Team Israel from any further tournaments it puts on. The ruling is indefinite for now. The IIHF says safety is its main concern.

"After careful consideration, the IIHF Council has decided that, due to concerns over the safety and security of all participants in the Championships, Israel will not participate in IIHF Competitions for the time being.

In accordance with IIHF's duty of care to protect all participants at IIHF Competitions and its obligation to create corresponding health and safety policies, the IIHF Council, within its power found in IIHF Statute 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."

This is essentially the same reasoning used to restrict Russia's access to tournaments following the start of its conflict with Ukraine. The IIHF insists it is not a punishment for any stance, but more about the safety of players, staff, and fans. Israel launched a retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza in October of 2023.

"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."

Israel won the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship Division II Group B tournament in Mexico City.

Source: IIHF