Team England is one of several nations,
including France, Germany, Finland, Canada and the USA, that has pulled
out of the WSF World Men’s Squash Team Championships in Cairo following
security fears.
The decision follows the recent wave of terrorist activity across the world resulting in the need for heightened security.
Keir Worth, CEO, commented, "Following the
release of security plans for the event and subsequently a
comprehensive report from independent security advisers, we have
concluded that there is an inherent risk that has not been mitigated to
an acceptable level.
“We have been through a significant
consultation with the players and support staff over recent weeks and
we are extremely disappointed to be withdrawing, but the safety of our
players and support staff remains our only priority and, at this time,
we have real concerns.”
The four-man squad reached the decision to pull out of the Championships unanimously.
Team England captain Nick Matthew
commented, “The England Team are incredibly disappointed not to be
taking part in Cairo. The World Team Championships is one of the most
prestigious events in squash and has provided many highlights in our
careers.
“We were very much looking forward to
defending our title in Cairo, a city we have all enjoyed visiting in
the past. However, having been consulted throughout the process by
England Squash, the whole team fully support the decision to withdraw
on the basis of the advice from the independent security report.”
