Morocco Blocks Israel

Israel’s team for the World Cross Country Championships was stranded in Paris after Morocco denied the athletes visas to enter the country.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation called the decision “disappointing.”

“When we accepted Morocco’s candidacy to stage the games, we received documents, one signed by the Moroccan sports ministry, saying the government would act with no restrictions (regarding visas),” IAAF president Primo Nebiolo said. “The Israeli athletes have had many difficulties getting visas and we are extremely disappointed.”