BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Bahrain has pulled out of the men’s World Handball Championships being hosted by neighbor Qatar next year.

The International Handball Federation says Bahrain officials told the governing body Friday the team was withdrawing from the 24-nation event starting Jan. 15.

The IHF says Bahrain, which qualified for the championships more than nine months ago, gave no reason for the decision.

Bahrain and Qatar have had tense diplomatic relations this year.

In March, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recalled their ambassadors from Doha to protest apparent Qatari support for Islamist groups across the region.

The IHF could discipline the Bahraini handball federation.

The IHF says its ruling council will deal with the issue at a meeting on Nov. 21.

Bahrain was in a 6-team group with Argentina, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Russia.

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