Israeli players barred from World Indoor Bowls Championships

Israeli players have been barred from the World Indoor Bowls Championships in England next month.

The World Bowls Tour said in a statement the involvement of Israeli bowlers at the Scottish International Open in August had produced "a significant escalation in related political concerns".

"As a result of the intensity of the situation, the WBT Board, in consultation with our event partners and other relevant stakeholders, has made the difficult decision to withdraw the invitation for Israel to participate in the forthcoming World Indoor Championships," it added.

"Bowls is, and always has been, a sport that unites people and this choice reflects our commitment to protecting the championships and ensuring they run smoothly for everyone involved."

The decision removes Daniel Alomin from the singles draw and pairs players Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi.

The Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the move was the result of joint action with Scottish Sports for Palestine and Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card.

Rupert Lowe, member of parliament for the right-wing Reform party in the Great Yarmouth constituency that hosts the championships in Hopton-on-Sea, said on X he was "genuinely disgusted" and would fight the decision.

Reporting by Reuters