World Squash championships in doubt over Egypt security fears

A number of national teams have withdrawn from the Men's World Team Squash Championships that were to be held in Egypt this month.

Six teams have so far announced their withdrawal, citing security concerns, from the competition that was set to be held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, from 12 to 18 December. The English team are the latest to pull out.

The World Squash Federation, which is organising the competition, released a press release expressing its surprise at the team withdrawals despite the security measures and precautions it has taken.

The English team joins would-be competitors from France, Germany, Finland, Canada and the United States who have also withdrawn from the championship.

"The safety of our players and staff remains our only priority and, at this time, we have real concerns," said England Squash chief, Keir Worth.

"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."

The Egyptian Squash association has released a statement saying that it will hold meetings with the ambassadors of the countries that have pulled out to confirm that Egypt is safe.

Egypt has been witnessing a militant insurgency in Sinai, and last month saw a deadly attack on a Russian civilian passenger plane, leading many airlines to suspend flights to Egyptian tourist resorts on the Red Sea.