GENEVA (AP) — Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, said Thursday they will return the winner’s trophy because Israel is being allowed to compete in the politically troubled pop music competition.

Nemo, last year's Eurovision winner, said Thursday he was returning the 2024 trophy in protest over Israel's continued participation, which has already prompted five countries to pull out. "I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf," the Swiss ...

Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, said they would return the trophy in protest of Israel’s inclusion in next

Russia was barred from participating in Eurovision in February 2022 — one day after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the time, the EBU cited the "unprecedented crisis" in Ukraine, and said including a Russian entry in that year's contest would "bring the competition into disrepute".

The boycott raises the prospect of less sponsorship income and viewers for the extravaganza that draws millions of viewers worldwide.

Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia said they were pulling out of the contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to continue to compete, despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza.

Swiss singer Nemo, winner of the 2024 contest and the first openly non-binary champion, announced they will return their trophy in protest.