NHL expresses 'significant concerns' over Israel's place in international tournaments

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The NHL said Saturday it had "significant concerns" after the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) considered barring Israeli teams from its upcoming world championship tournaments over security concerns.

The IIHF said Wednesday "Israel will not participate in IIHF competitions for the time being" but clarified Friday that the decision so far only applied to a men’s under-20 tournament starting in Bulgaria Jan. 22. 

The organization said no decision was made regarding the women’s and men’s world championship tournaments that Israel will play in March and April, respectively.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Players of Israel celebrate after the IIHF Ice Hockey U20 men's world championship third division semifinal match between Turkey and Israel in Istanbul Feb. 1, 2023.  (Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The NHL said it expressed concerns to the IIHF.

"The NHL has significant concerns with the announcement from the IIHF on Wednesday regarding the Israeli National Team’s eligibility for, and participation in, upcoming IIHF events," the league said. "We expressed those concerns to the IIHF and have attempted to get a better understanding of both the scope and underlying rationale for the decision that was made.

NHL ROOKIE PHENOM CONNOR BEDARD SUFFERS FRACTURED JAW, PLACED ON INJURED RESERVE

"As we understand it, the decision is intended to be temporary in nature and rests solely on the IIHF’s overriding concern for the safety and security of all of its stakeholders, including both the Israeli National Team and other participating teams. 

"Importantly, we also have been assured that the