An Israeli sports team must not start at a tournament in Germany. The organizers emphasize that security reasons are irrelevant and that one is also not biased.
A report on the exclusion of Israeli baseballer from a tournament in Stuttgart causes a stir in Israel. As the television station Channel 12 reports, a youth team is said to have been unloaded by the international competition, which takes place in Stuttgart at the end of April and early May. Upon request, the tournament management referred to the global youth baseball organization Pony, which established non-participation with an overbooking of the event.
Pony President Abraham Key is quoted in a statement that the claim that Pony or the tournament management in Stuttgart in Stuttgart would have been against Israel or would have refused their duty of care for participation: “Israel has all procedures for participation Follow and stand on the waiting list for participation. “
Report about Security concerns
Channel 12 had previously reported that the exclusion with the current political situation around the Middle East conflict is said to have been justified. According to the report, the organizers should worry about the security of the baseball team outside of the competition sites.
The violent anti -Israeli riots around Maccabi Tel Aviv’s football game at Ajax Amsterdam in November are mentioned as a comparison. Propalestinian rioters attacked Israeli fans around the Europa League game. According to the police, Maccabi supporters had also been violent at the time.
Incomprehension in Israel
One is deeply shocked and injured by the unjust and unsportsmanlike decision, said the President of the Israeli Baseball Association Jordy Alter, according to Channel 12. The Israeli Baseball Academy embodies the values of the sports spirit and the mutual respect, which are an integral part of international competitions. Due to hypothetical scenarios and potential risks, the young athletes are unfair and unacceptable.
What is this tournament about?
From April 30 to May 4 of this year, the “Palominino European Zone Tournament” for U18 teams will take place in the Ballpark at the Stuttgart Reds of TV Cannstatt. Europe’s baseball youngsters play for the ticket for the “Palomino World Series” in the USA. Eight teams play in this qualification tournament. Only the winner goes to the USA.
Broadcast on Wed., 12.2.2025 6:40 p.m., SWR1 Baden-Württemberg
