Lithuania pull out of Israel friendly
Tuesday, March 12, 2002
Article summary
Lithuania withdraw from friendly fixture in Israel on 26 March because of security concerns.
Article body
The Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) has announced that their national team will not travel to Israel for a friendly fixture on 26 March, blaming the unstable security situation in the region.
Prolonged consultations
The LFF’s announcement follows UEFA's decision to move the Hapoel Tel-Aviv-Milan AC fixture to a neutral venue. The LFF general secretary, Julius Kvedaras, said that the fixture was dropped after prolonged consultations with their Israeli counterparts. "We decided to change our plans [and withdraw from the fixture] after the situation got very serious. We cannot risk the football players," LFF sports director Robertas Tautkus said.
Search for alternative opposition
After withdrawing from the fixture Lithuania are keen to find alternative opposition. "We are trying to find an option, but it is very complicated. Normally, you fix these several months in advance," Tautkus said.