Australia’s ice hockey federation has said it had cancelled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision was linked to the participation of the Israeli national team, according to Reuters.

Multiple local media outlets cited an internal email from Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) saying it could not hold the tournament due to safety and security concerns over Israel’s attendance.

The statement did not mention Israel, with the body saying it could not comment on “global issues outside the sport”.

“The decision was primarily made to ensure the safety and security of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and other participants,” the statement said.