// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Israeli Triathlon Association considering legal action over Derry race
Staging an elite triathlon in the city is widely regarded as a coup for race organisers with many of the world's best triathletes set to take part
Triathlon officials in Israel have said they are considering legal action over the withdrawal of four athletes from an event due to take place in Londonderry on Saturday.
World Triathlon confirmed on Thursday that it had been asked by the Israeli Triathlon Association (ITA) to "remove all the Israeli athletes entered" from the event and had done so "with immediate effect".
The North West Triathlon Club (NWTC), which is organising the event, had raised possible safety concerns about the participation of the athletes.
On Friday, the ITA said it is "deeply disturbed by the circumstances" that led to the athletes not taking part.
"We will not allow this matter to end with the withdrawal of our athletes," the association said.
"The Israeli Triathlon Association intends to pursue all available avenues, including examining possible legal action, to ensure that such a situation is not repeated."
On Thursday, the NWTC said they could not support the Israeli athletes taking part.
The club added that it had concerns about "athlete and public safety" and "the potential for serious disruption" had they competed on Saturday.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) told BBC News NI it had "become aware of potential protest activity in relation to the event".