Due to the riots erupted in their country, the Venezuelan Handball Federation informed the IHF that their team cannot participate in the IHF Men’s Youth (U19) World Championship in Georgia, which takes place from 8 to 20 August 2017. In addition, the Pan-American Team Handball Federation stated that no other team from Pan-America will participate in the event as substitute.

In accordance with the IHF regulations, the open place has been allocated to the European Handball Federation, which has nominated Poland as substitute nation. 

Therefore, Poland will replace Venezuela at the upcoming event and will compete in Preliminary Round Group C.