Bahrain & UAE Withdraw From Handball World Championship

November 10, 2014

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have withdrawn from the 2015 Handball World Championship to be held in Qatar.

UAE’s withdrawal was confirmed in a statement by the International Handball Federation (IHF), buy but a reason wasn’t given by either.

The tournament will be taking place in Doha from January 15 until February 1.

Bahrain informed the IHF of its decision on Friday. A statement by the IHF added: “The issue will be dealt with by the Council of the International Handball Federation in its next meeting scheduled for November 21, ambulance 2014, when a corresponding decision regarding this matter will be made and announced.”

Despite no official reason being given for the withdrawal of both nations, it is believed the political tension between the Gulf countries is a factor.

The IHF said in a statement: “Just like in the case of Bahrain, the (UAE) case will be handled by the Council of the International Handball Federation in its next meeting scheduled for 21 November…when a corresponding decision regarding this matter will be made and announced.”