Israel disqualifies its own bobsleigh team from Winter Olympics after false illness claim

Israel's bobsleigh team was withdrawn from the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics after a team member falsely claimed illness in an attempt to allow an alternate, Druze athlete Ward Fawarseh, to compete.

Olympic rules only permit substitutions for genuine injury or illness. The athlete admitted to signing a false medical affidavit, leading the Israeli Olympic Committee to disqualify the team from the final event, citing a breach of fair play.

Team driver Adam Edelman expressed regret, stating the team hoped to let the alternate experience the Olympics, but acknowledged their actions did not meet eligibility standards.

The team had faced controversy earlier in the Games after Swiss broadcaster RTS accused them of supporting genocide, a claim condemned by Israeli officials and the U.S. ambassador. The team also suffered a robbery during training in Italy, but continued to compete, highlighting their perseverance despite challenges.