Levi to stay on in Israel

Israel Football Association chairman Gavri Levi has ended weeks of speculation by deciding to stay on for four more years.

Eight years in charge
Levi had threatened to resign six weeks ago after eight years in charge. He said at the time that he had contributed enough to the national game and it was time for someone else to do the job.

Hundreds of letters
However, in a press conference at the IFA's headquarters, Levi said: "After thoroughly pondering the decision over the last few weeks I decided to finally announce that I will stay on as chairman for the next four years. My decision was influenced by hundreds of letters and calls asking me to stay on and not to resign."

'Absolutely vital'
Levi added: "Today, more than ever, the IFA faces difficult challenges which require huge demands from the person at the top of the pyramid. It is absolutely vital to deal with all these issues and others forcefully as well as obtaining the ability to stand firm against the pressure."

Istanbul trip
The chairman, who had just returned from Istanbul where he attended UEFA's Executive Committee meeting, said discussions over his salary had no impact on his decision. Levi had been in Turkey to present Israel's case for allowing international fixtures to be played in the country.

London idea
He claimed the IFA would lose around €2m if the national team has to play its EURO 2004™ matches abroad, because of the security situation in Israel. "Even though we have been offered to host our qualifiers in Romania or Ukraine, we are currently considering playing at White Hart Lane [the home ground of English club Tottenham Hotspur FC - who have a large Jewish following]," said Levi. "The reason behind the idea to host matches in London is to try and salvage some income which we can't even dream of in eastern European countries."