JERUSALEM – A senior official at the Argentine Football Federation says the national team decided to cancel its World Cup warmup match with Israel after receiving threats from the Islamic militant group Hamas.

The official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, did not provide evidence or details on the alleged threats.

A Hamas official mocked the reports that Hamas threatened the players, calling them unrealistic and saying they don’t deserve a comment. The official also spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment on the issue.

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