**International Olympic Committee Rejects Spanish Calls to Expel Israel from 2026 Olympics**
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially rejected calls from the Spanish government to bar Israeli teams from participating in the 2026 Olympic Games.
Spanish Prime Minister had urged the IOC to exclude Israel, citing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as the reason for the demand. However, the IOC maintained its stance on keeping politics separate from sports and confirmed that Israeli athletes will be allowed to compete in the upcoming event.
At the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games, Israel was prominently represented by flag bearers Romi Paritzki and Tom Reuveny during the closing ceremony held at Stade de France, exemplifying the country’s pride and sportsmanship on the global stage.
*Photo Credit: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports*
*Report by Jerusalem Post Sports Staff*
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-868003
