The Irish women’s basketball team has chosen not to shake hands with Israeli players at the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers in Riga on Thursday, following allegations by Israeli players of anti-Semitism.
The Israel Basketball Association released an interview with Dor Sar on Tuesday in which she made these claims.
“They are known to be quite anti-Semitic, it’s no secret, and maybe that’s why a strong match is expected,” Searle said.
Statement ahead of today’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/iz6s88febf
— Basketball Ireland (@BballIrl) February 8, 2024
Basketball Ireland reported the comments to FIBA, calling them “inflammatory and completely inaccurate.”
Basketball Ireland also announced that its players will not participate in the traditional pre-game arrangement with Israel.
In a statement released by the Irish Federation on Thursday afternoon, the Irish Basketball Association yesterday issued a statement to FIBA Europe saying, As a direct result of recent statements by The Israeli federation has informed the players that they will not participate in traditional pre-match arrangements with their next opponents.
“This includes exchanging gifts, but [and] There will be a formal handshake before and after the game, but players will line up by the benches instead of at center court for the Irish national anthem. ”
Basketball Ireland added: “We fully support the players’ decision.”
Israel won the game 87-57.
-Reuters