— Published January 8, 2025

Australia cancels tournament

Ice Hockey

The Ice Hockey Federation of Australia (IHA) has announced the cancellation of the international tournament which was to take place in the spring in Melbourne, qualifying for the 2025 world championships. Fifteen matches of Group A of Division II were scheduled between April 27 and May 3. The teams involved: the Netherlands, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Australia and Belgium. The challenge: to reach Division I in 2026, the antechamber of the elite. The presence of Israel however led the IHA to review its plans. "The IHA and the organising committee met with a wide range of stakeholders including the Victorian Police and participating venues. The decision was made primarily for ensure the safety of athletes, volunteers, spectators and other participants. IHA places safety first », she says in a statement. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deplored the choice. : "Australia can host great sporting events and we should. (…) We are a tolerant country that should respect every person, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, and respect people for who they are. This is an unfortunate decision." The international federation (IIHF) will now have to find a new competition venue.