Iceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next year’s contest.
Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
“Participation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public,” Icelandic broadcaster RÚV said in a statement.
“According to public discourse in Iceland and the response to EBU’s decision last week, RÚV’s participation will neither be a source of joy nor peace. Therefore, RÚV has come to the conclusion to inform EBU today that RÚV will not participate in the Eurovision contest next year.
“Söngvakeppni – Iceland’s pre-selection for Eurovision – and Eurovision has always aimed to unite the nation. However, it is clear that objective will not be achieved this year and this decision is based on that fact.”
Meanwhile the BBC has also now issued comment.
“We support the collective decision made by members of the EBU,” said a BBC spokesperson. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.”
A December 10 deadline was set for nations to avoid further penalities for late withdrawal.
Source: Deadline