UEFA calls off Israel matches

UEFA has announced that the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and EURO 2004™ qualifying matches between Israel and Cyprus, scheduled for 15 and 16 October respectively, have been postponed until next year.

Lack of a solution
European football's governing body said in a statement that the games had been put back until 30 April 2003 "due to the lack of an acceptable solution to the need for matches to be played outside of Israel because of safety and security concerns".

Further consideration
"The next home match of the Israeli national team is scheduled for 2 April 2003 and further consideration of the security situation will be given prior to that date," UEFA added.

Best interests
"UEFA has taken this decision in the best interests of everyone involved in these qualifying matches," said UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner. "We must ensure safety and security and also that the sporting conditions should be identical for those playing Israel throughout the qualification process."

Sensible solution
"This postponement is a sensible solution," he added, "which will also give us time to further assess the security situation in Israel ahead of the games in April 2003."

UEFA concern
Meanwhile, UEFA also expressed concern that the Israel Football Association did not propose a venue and kick-off time for the senior and U21 matches within the set time limit, adding that the matter would be put before the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body.