Iceland becomes fifth country boycotting Eurovision

All five countries have withdrawn after Israel's participation in the contest is officially confirmed last week, reports BBC, broadcast Periscope.

“The Israeli national broadcaster's takeover, KAN, in the competition, has created divisions among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public”, the Icelandic broadcaster RãoV said in a statement.

Iceland had earlier hinted that it would not take part in the 2026 contest, but wanted to wait until the issue was discussed by the board of directors Wednesday.

The board meeting was held just hours before the deadline passed for states to confirm whether they would participate in what is expected to be Austria's 70-year-old holiday edition of Eurovision in May next year. /Periscope/