Soccer: Israel loses UEFA tick of approval

Israel cannot host UEFA Cup second qualifying round first-leg soccer matches, European soccer's governing body said on its website today.

The UEFA website went on to say matches involving an Israeli side must be staged in a neutral country. This was "due to the security situation in the region".

Hapoel Tel-Aviv are due to play their home tie against NK Domale of Slovenia on Aug. 8 while Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv are scheduled to host Lokomotiv Sofia of Bulgaria on Aug. 10.

UEFA will take a decision next Monday as to whether the UEFA Cup second leg matches and Champions League third qualifying round second-leg games can be held in Israel later in August.

The governing body has also asked the Israel Football Association (IFA) to submit back-up plans when teams involved in European games are required to play matches outside the country.

- REUTERS