Claim: International Ice Hockey Federation has banned Israel from international competitions
A Feb. 21 Instagram post (direct link, archived link) shows a hockey player wearing a blue and white uniform with a Star of David on the sleeve.
The words “International Ice Hockey Federation bans Israel from international competitions” appear on the screen.
The post's caption reads in part: “The hockey federation is racist.”
The post received over 50,000 likes in six days. Similar claims were also shared on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Our rating: False
The federation initially banned the Israeli team from participating in upcoming international tournaments, but quickly reversed its decision in January after local authorities ensured the safety of the players. The decision was rescinded more than a month before the post was shared.
The Post's claims are outdated
The International Ice Hockey Federation announced on January 10 that the Israeli national team will be prohibited from participating in the tournament for the time being due to safety concerns for participants.
The group said in a statement that the decision was based on “risk assessments, consultation with participating countries and consultation with host countries.”
The federation issued a follow-up two days later, saying the temporary ban applies to teams in Division III, Group B of the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship, which was moved from Israel to Bulgaria due to safety concerns. clarified that it only applies to participation. . The federation said the team's expulsion “is not a sanction” against the Israel Ice Hockey Federation and does not affect the country's status as a member of the international organization.
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However, the federation reversed this decision a few days later after local authorities confirmed that safety measures would be put in place to protect the participating athletes. The announcement that the Israeli team would be participating in Division III Group A of the championship was made on January 17, more than a month before the Instagram post was shared.
Several international news organizations reported on the lifting of the ban, including Reuters, the Jerusalem Post, and the CBC.
According to a January 28 press release issued by the federation, the Israeli team ultimately won the gold medal in the championship category.
USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Reed Stories also debunked this claim.
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