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World’s governing ice hockey body IIHF suspends indefinitely Israeli national team

The decision was made "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"

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has ruled to suspend the Israeli team indefinitely citing security issues, the IIHF’s press office said in a statement on Thursday.

"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," the statement reads.

"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," the statement added.

In 2022, the IIHF suspended indefinitely all national teams from Russia and Belarus due to the developments in Ukraine.

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