The Jordanian basketball team refused to play against Israel on Sunday at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland.
According to the state-run Jordan News Agency, Jordan’s basketball federation “sent an official request to the International Federation (FIBA) not to play the match in line with its principles and steadfast positions in such circumstances.”
The so-called “principles” consisted of a protest against Israel’s defensive war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
“I strongly believe that sport is a bridge between people and cultures, and not a political arena,” Israeli Basketball Association president Amos Frishman said in response.
The federation told Jordan the game would be forfeited in favor of Israel in response to the move.
Iran has taken similar positions against Israel in international sports competitions.
