World Squash Federation Cancels Event In Malaysia After Israeli Athletes Barred Due To Visa Issues
A major squash tournament in Malaysia has been cancelled − the sport’s governing body said − after the Muslim-majority country sparked anger by refusing to grant visas for Israeli players.
The World Team Championship for men had been due to take place in Kuala Lumpur on December 7-12 with 26 squads participating.
But the World Squash Federation (WSF) and Malaysia’s squash body, the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia, said that it had been axed because of the “possibility that some nations would be unable to compete due to the lack of confirmation over the issuing of visas”.
WSF president Zena Wooldridge said sports officials had sought to “influence the highest authorities of Malaysia to ensure the ability of all participating teams, including Israel, to enter Malaysia and compete.
“It is important to WSF that no nation who wishes to compete misses out on the event.”
Israel’s squash association…
#Showbiz: ‘A Christmas Carol’ gets a Sabahan twist