The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has changed its mind on the issue of the Israeli team being able to take part in the World Championship in the third division under 20 years old after withdrawing at the very beginning.
In a press release published on Wednesday, the organization confirmed the reversal of its decision, citing “intense discussions and recent exchanges” with affected stakeholders, which led to the obtaining of some guarantees originally requested. Therefore, Israel will take part in the competition, which is scheduled to take place from January 22nd to 29th in Sofia, Bulgaria.
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The IIHF sought assurances from the Bulgarian government that the necessary security support would be provided, which the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports agreed to. However, the association will keep an eye on the situation in this particular aspect, as the presence of Israeli athletes remains a sensitive issue due to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
In recent days, the National Hockey League (NHL) regretted the IIHF's ruling banning Israel from the event and hoped that the IIHF would take the necessary steps to remedy a situation that was detrimental to the holders of the colors of the country in question was considered unfair.