Israeli Bobsleigh Team Seeks Plea Deal Over Winter Olympics Scandal
Israeli bobsleigh team members may accept a plea deal after a fake-injury scandal disqualified them from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Jerusalem, 29 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Members of Israel’s bobsleigh team at the center of a fake-injury scandal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics (February 6 – 22) may reach a plea agreement, Israeli media reported Tuesday. The Israeli Olympic Committee opened disciplinary proceedings, but a hearing has yet to take place, with the sides reportedly discussing an agreed punishment.
Pilot Adam (AJ) Edelman, Menachem Chen, Uri Zisman and Omer Katz had completed two runs, ranking last among 24 teams. They reportedly wanted reserve teammate Ward Fawarseh, the first Druze athlete in Israel’s Olympic delegation, to experience the track.
Because Olympic rules allow substitutions only for verified illness or injury, Zisman falsely claimed to be unwell, underwent a medical examination, and signed a false declaration. He later confessed after additional checks were ordered.
The committee then disqualified the entire team from the final day for unsportsmanlike conduct and violations of fair-play principles.