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UEFA likely to discuss lifting Israeli host ban
FIFA & UEFA - 04 September, 2006
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UEFA will reconsider the Israeli match ban on Sept. 14, possibly clearing the way for international matches on the nation's home soil.
UEFA had prevented Israeli clubs from hosting matches because of security concerns over the war with Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbullah, which ended with United Nations-brokered ceasefire on Aug. 14.
The Israel Football Association said chairman Iche Menahem received a letter on Thursday from UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson which said, "UEFA is monitoring the improvement of the situation...and will discuss returning matches to Israel."
The IFA report said Menahem would consult with UEFA officials at their Swiss headquarters before Sept. 14. A UEFA spokesman could not confirm the IFA report of a meeting.
The ban forced Israel to host their first home qualifying matches for EURO 2008 against Andorra in the Netherlands next week. Israeli clubs also have had no home qualifying matches in this season's Champions League or UEFA Cup.
Even if the ban is lifted, it will be too late for Maccabi Haifa to host UEFA Cup first round opponents, Bulgarian Litex Lovech. They are due to play on the same day as the UEFA meeting and will have play at a neutral venue.
Hapoel Tel Aviv may benefit, however, as their home clash with Ukraine's Chornomorets Odessa is on September 28.
UEFA had prevented Israeli clubs from hosting matches because of security concerns over the war with Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbullah, which ended with United Nations-brokered ceasefire on Aug. 14.
The Israel Football Association said chairman Iche Menahem received a letter on Thursday from UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson which said, "UEFA is monitoring the improvement of the situation...and will discuss returning matches to Israel."
The IFA report said Menahem would consult with UEFA officials at their Swiss headquarters before Sept. 14. A UEFA spokesman could not confirm the IFA report of a meeting.
The ban forced Israel to host their first home qualifying matches for EURO 2008 against Andorra in the Netherlands next week. Israeli clubs also have had no home qualifying matches in this season's Champions League or UEFA Cup.
Even if the ban is lifted, it will be too late for Maccabi Haifa to host UEFA Cup first round opponents, Bulgarian Litex Lovech. They are due to play on the same day as the UEFA meeting and will have play at a neutral venue.
Hapoel Tel Aviv may benefit, however, as their home clash with Ukraine's Chornomorets Odessa is on September 28.
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