The World Bowls Tour (WBT) has sparked controversy by barring Israeli athletes from participating in next month’s World Indoor Bowls Championships in England. The decision, announced in a press release, comes after a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups and rising political tensions following protests during the International Scottish Open last month.
The WBT described the decision as “difficult” but claimed it was made in the best interests of the event’s success and integrity. The move has been met with condemnation from a local parliamentarian and Jewish representatives, according to Reuters.
The decision affects Israeli athletes Daniel Alomin, Amnon Amar, and Itai Rigbi, who will no longer participate in the singles and pairs events. The Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign claimed the move was a result of joint action with Scottish Sports for Palestine and Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card.
Rupert Lowe, a member of parliament for the Reform party, expressed his outrage on X, stating he was “genuinely disgusted” and would fight the decision. The ban is the latest example of athletes from Arab, Muslim, and European countries refusing to compete against Israeli players in protest against Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
