Archive · 30 Jun 2025
Jordan Forfeits Basketball Match Against Israel in Gaza Protest
In a basketball game, Jordan decided not to play against Israel.
This happened at a youth basketball tournament in Switzerland.
The reason given was the ongoing war in Gaza, which Jordan was protesting.
The international basketball organization, FIBA, said that because Jordan didn't show up, Israel automatically won the game.
The Israeli basketball officials were not happy with Jordan's choice and felt that sports should be a way to bring people together, not a place for political disagreements.
This event shows how conflicts outside of sports can sometimes affect games.
Jordan refused to play Israel in the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.
The game was scheduled for Sunday in Switzerland.
Jordan's decision was reportedly a protest against the Gaza war.
FIBA declared Israel the winner by forfeit.
The Israeli Basketball Federation expressed disappointment.
- Who
- Jordan and Israel's Under-19 basketball teams, FIBA, and the Israeli Basketball Federation.
- What
- Jordan refused to play Israel in a FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup game.
- When
- Sunday
- Where
- Switzerland
- Why
- Jordan's decision was reportedly a protest against the Gaza war.
Jordan's Perspective
Israel's Perspective
Political Protest vs. Sportsmanship
Jordan's Perspective
The Jordanian basketball federation sent an official request to FIBA not to play the match in line with its principles regarding the war on Gaza.
Israel's Perspective
The Israeli Basketball Federation believes sport should not be a political arena.
- Event
- FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup
- Teams Involved
- Jordan, Israel
- Location
- Switzerland
- Date
- Sunday
- Outcome
- Israel won by forfeit
- Reason for Jordan's refusal
- Protest of the Gaza war