Jordan refuse to play Israel in basketball World Cup in support of Palestine

Jordan Basketball Federation (JBF) chose to forfeit a FIBA Under-19 World Cup basketball game rather than play Israel in protest of the Gaza War.

Jordan's official news agency said the decision to forfeit the game aligns with JBF's "principles and steadfast positions in such circumstances".

JBF communicated its position to FIBA through official correspondence, requesting not to proceed with the fixture, the agency said.

Jordan's refusal meant Israel were awarded a win by default by the score of 20-0 in their Group C game in the ongoing World Cup in Switzerland. Having lost their group opener, 69-79, to the Dominican Republic, Jordan needed a win to advance in the event.

Jordanians have condemned Israel's attacks on Palestine, calling for an end to the war that has raged since October 2023.

Israel has been bombarding Palestine's Gaza for nearly 20 months following a Hamas attack on its territory. Since then, more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, with the United Nations General Assembly passing a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Reuters quoted a comment from Amos Frishman, president of the Israeli Basketball Federation. “I strongly believe that sport is a bridge between people and cultures and not a political arena,” Frishman said.