The opening games of the Israeli teams in the Basketball Champions League, scheduled for next week, have been postponed due to the security situation in Israel.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Israel Basketball Association (IBBA) announced the change in separate statements on Tuesday.
FIBA’s decision includes the Group G game between Hapoel Jerusalem and SL Benfica, initially scheduled for Oct. 17 in Israel, and the game between Telekom Bonn and Hapoel Holon in Group F, originally planned for the following evening in Germany.
FIBA noted that new dates would be set up when circumstances allow.
The decision was made following discussions with the two clubs, FIBA Europe, and the IBBA, according to the statements.
Meanwhile, Israel’s two opening matches in the Women’s handball Euro 2024 qualifiers, against Slovakia away on Wednesday and at home against Germany on Saturday, were also postponed, according to the European Handball Federation.
In addition, the Israel Handball Association said that foreign players from most of the women’s and men’s leading teams in Israel have left the country due to the security situation.
