UEFA clears Israel to play int'l soccer matches in 3 more cities
Ashdod, Haifa and J'lem cleared to host matches; UEFA had limited games to Tel Aviv since 2006 Lebanon War.
By Haaretz ServiceIsrael will be able to host international and club soccer matches in Jerusalem, Haifa and Ashdod after a security review by UEFA.
European soccer's governing body said Saturday that Israel would no longer be limited to using Tel Aviv to host games.
UEFA banned all European club and international soccer matches in Israel from Aug. 7-Sept. 15 during the country's conflict with the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah. Since then it only allowed matches to be played in Tel Aviv.
The last time Israel played in Jerusalem was in February 2005, in a 3-3 friendly draw with Croatia. The last game in Haifa was in February 2000, when Israel defeated Russia 4-1 in an exhibition game.
International soccer has not been played in Ashdod since 1995 when Israel defeated Luxembourg 4-2 in a friendly.
In light of UEFA's decision, Israel league champion Beitar Jerusalem will be able to host their Champions League preliminary matches at Teddy stadium in Jerusalem.
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Beitar Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium. (Archives) |
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