Jordan's Under-19 national basketball team has declined to compete against Israel in the 2025 World Cup. This decision was formally communicated to FIBA, the international basketball federation, resulting in a forfeiture of the match.
Consequently, Israel was awarded an automatic 20-0 technical victory. This outcome occurred despite Israel having previously secured a win in their opening game against Switzerland in the tournament.
Amos Frishman, chairman of the Israel Basketball Association, expressed regret over Jordan's choice. He conveyed his belief that "sport is a bridge between peoples and cultures and not a political arena."
This incident highlights the pervasive influence of geopolitical tensions on international sports. Jordan's refusal underscores deeply entrenched political sentiments, impacting athletic competition and drawing significant attention.
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