Belgian authorities have banned the Israeli team from participating in an international frisbee tournament due to security concerns, organizers announced Wednesday.
The European Ultimate Federation (EUF) said the municipality of Gent "prohibits the participation of the Israeli delegation" in the European Youth Ultimate Championship 2024, citing potential disruptions to public order.
This decision follows the postponement of all matches on Tuesday, the tournament's scheduled opening day, after anti-Israel activists spray-painted slogans on a venue in the nearby village of De Pinte.
"We are disappointed to have to make this sad announcement and for the overall outcome for all teams who have worked so hard to train and get to the event," the EUF statement read. "We must however respect and follow the instructions given by the authorities."
The tournament is set to resume today without the 33 Israeli athletes who had traveled to Belgium to compete alongside hundreds of participants from 11 countries.
A municipal decree issued by Gent's city government stated that "there is a high risk of public order disruption due to the presence of an Israeli" and that "organizations oppose Israel's participation in the tournament due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza."
The ban extends beyond the team's participation, with authorities also prohibiting "any references related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" at the event.
A spokesperson for the Israeli team said they would not immediately comment on the decision.
* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.
